The depot was originally built in the early 1990’s as part of a plan to operate Eurostar international train services from Manchester to Europe. This was seen as uneconomical and was never implemented. The depot was sub-let from 2018 – 2021 to train manufacturer CAF. The 30 year old train depot required substantial modernisation to ensure the depot was a safe and compliant operational facility.
| Client | Northern Rail |
| Duration | 33 weeks |
| Location | Manchester |
| Value | £2.1million |
| End Date | January 2023 |
The Manchester International Depot Upgrade required Spencer to take the project from GRIP stage 3 Option selection through to GRIP stage 8 project close out. A full dilapidation survey was undertaken for the building structure, roof, fittings and fixtures, M&E building services including fire alarm, depot protection, heating, ventilation and air conditioning to both office and shed. This allowed the client to bring the depot back into operation providing a comfortable, modern environment. As part of option selection, return of investment calculations were produced to provide the client with a payback period and cost savings for replacing the existing lighting with new LED lighting including daylight dimming and absence detection. The client also required the installation of a fully automated CET (Controlled Emission Toilet) system to allow for the safe and hygienic disposal of toilet waste from the train onboard toilet retention tanks to the sewer. This included fully automated tanking and flushing water systems.
The office block was refurbished including kitchen renewal, toilet IPS panels and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
The external lighting throughout the depot was replaced with the latest energy efficient lighting and control systems providing presence detection and dimming to increase cost saving. 200m of maintenance/driver walkway lighting bollards were installed to provide safe access and egress. New painted walking routes, upgraded car parking areas including disabled parking and an external security office were provided.
The existing depot protection system was upgraded to include a new SCADA system, key exchange and personnel log on/off panels. The existing incandescent lamp signals were upgraded with replacement LED units providing enhanced signal recognition.
Spencer Group successfully modernised and enhanced the reliability of the depot by implementing various upgrades to align the depot to the latest Network Rail standards and provide a safe modern
train servicing facility. The improvements to the depot focused on energy and environmental upgrades to ensure future energy savings for years to come. The works were staged to ensure all high level works in the maintenance shed were completed on schedule and handed back to allow the re-energisation of the OLE.
The depot upgrade was completed on time, safely and to the clients budget. Training was provided on all aspects of the upgrades including the CET system and Depot Protection. Hand back completed the process providing a transition from Spencer to client.
