BAM Nuttall has started enabling works on a new train depot at Kirkdale, Liverpool.

The company is creating the new facility on behalf of Stadler Rail Services, who will be manufacturing and maintaining a new fleet of Merseyrail trains which will be introduced in 2020.

Features of the new depot will include:

• The creation of a maintenance facility for the new Stadler trains.

• A driving cab simulator, including a full-size mock-up of a driver's cab, facilities for a link between the trainer and trainee and a lecture theatre for people to observe the training.


• A new train washing facility.

• Stabling capacity for up to 30 trains.

• New offices and welfare facilities for the maintenance workforce.

Preliminary work is due to start in October, with the depot build set to be complete by 2019.

Paul Abraham, project manager for BAM Nuttall, said: "We have been working collaboratively with Stadler during the tender stage of this exciting programme. From our Warrington office we have been able to provide locally based staff to support the bid and develop the programme. We will continue with this locally based approach throughout the delivery phase and also provide opportunity for our northern based supply chain. We look forward to delivering this key piece of infrastructure for Stadler and Merseytravel and supporting the local economy."

Thomas Zweifel, programme director & deputy CEO UK for Stadler, said: "Stadler is excited to be involved in this project that will see new trains on the Merseyrail network in 2020."

(LM)