Work on the redevelopment of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s depot at Gosforth is continuing at a good pace with the second phase (of six) now completed. This has seen three more sections of line being successfully installed. Phase three will now begin which will see more of the old depot building demolished.
So far, the first two stages have seen the demolition of train stabling sheds to the west of the depot, the partial demolition of the main depot buildings and the start of construction of new ones, as well as the removal and renewal of six train stabling lines.
The next phase – due to be completed by October 2022 – will see further demolition of the old facility as well as the introduction of three more lines.
Michael Steiner, Programme Director from Stadler, said: “With the first new train set to arrive in Newcastle at the end of the year, work is well under way to build a modern, fit-for-purpose, technologically[1]sophisticated facility, with a focus on sustainability. It has been future-proofed to enable it to function effectively for the duration of Stadler’s 35-year contract, which sees us prioritise local people, local goods and local services. We’re delighted to have reached another significant point in the work, and thank our partners, Nexus and VolkerFitzpatrick for their continued collaboration with us.”
Michael Richardson, Head of fleet and depot replacement programme for Nexus, said: “We are delighted at the progress that being made on our new £70m Gosforth depot, which will be a modern new home for the new Metro trains. The second phase of the depot project has been completed, with more of the new tracks laid and the new buildings almost ready to be start being fitted out. These newly laid tracks are vital so that trains can access the new depot. In a few weeks’ time we will start to see more of the old depot building pulled down as we continue the transition to these modern new facilities – which herald the start of a bright future for the Tyne and Wear Metro. “Stadler and VolkerFitzpatrick are delivering these historic projects on behalf of Nexus and it is going really well. The new depot will be a more sustainable, environmentally friendly facility, which is fit for the 21st century.”
The completed depot will include inspection roads and pits, cranes, jacks, test facilities and a wheel lathe. There will also be a wash plant and other areas set-a-side for daily and periodic deep cleaning. The outside area will be set up to optimise train movements whilst also keeping noise to a minimum.
The newly installed sidings outside the depot with 4012 at rest.
Inside the new depot building. (Both Photographs courtesy of Stadler Rail)