Multi-disciplinary engineering company Spencer Group are working in collaboration with Network Rail and Hitachi on the upgrade of eight Light Maintenance Depots (LMDs) to design & build improved maintenance & servicing facilities at existing East Coast Depots for Hitachi Europe.
These depots are at Ferme Park, Bounds Green, Doncaster, Neville Hill, Heaton, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.
These upgraded facilities are in readiness for the new fleet of Hitachi Trains due to operate on the East Coast main line from August 2018 and replace the existing ageing fleet of HST Trains that were first introduced in the 1990s. Hitachi’s new fleets of Class 800 and 801 Super Express Trains will run at speeds of up to 125mph and reduce journey times on the East Coast Main line.
John Kendall, Spencer Project Manager, said: “This project adds to Spencer Group’s significant portfolio of Depot projects and allows us to continue to offer value and innovation on behalf of and in collaboration with Hitachi Rail.
“Spencer Group are committed to supporting local communities with our supply chain and also working in partnership with local schools and colleges to provide work experience and apprenticeship opportunities to young people.”
Spencer has already begun work on site at Ferme Park in London, where Dan Sach, Construction Apprentice, is currently working. Dan said: “Gaining hands-on experience like this is a great opportunity for me and I am relishing the opportunity to work on Ferme Park depot with John and the rest of the team!”
The depot works are being undertaken on a D&B basis and vary at each depot, but generally include:-
• Surveys and design works
• New fuel dispensing facilities and aprons
• Provision of facilities for storage and dispensing of Adblue® (fuel additive)
• Provision of sanding facilities
• Provision of access for removal/replacement of roof-top air-conditioning units and pantographs
• Upgrading/renewal of carriage wash plant facilities
• Upgrading of CET evacuation facilities
• Remodelling of depot layout at Craigentinny.
• Associated S&T works
• Associated E&P works and lighting provision
• Amended authorised access walkways
The IEP programme was first initiated in 2005 by the UK Department for Transport.
