Stadler Rail’s £21m depot completes in Kirkdale

The redevelopment of Stadler Rail’s depot in Kirkdale has completed after beginning works in 2017.

This site is part of a wider £460m investment into trains and related infrastructure in the region which was announced in December 2016.

Completed by Bam Nuttall, works have included a maintenance shed and office accommodation; replacing a carriage wash; modification to sidings; installation of cleaning walkways; demolition of a light cleaning shed; building of a stabling room for 30 eight-car trains; construction of an underframe carriage, along with pedestrian and car access routes.

The depot is now home to Stadler’s UK headquarters. Once the trains have entered into passenger service, the majority of the company’s UK workforce will be based at the site. Stadler also has a second depot at Birkenhead North, where its existing fleet is maintained. The Swiss rail-builder has a contract to service the new trains for 35 years.

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, said on a visit to the site: “In the Liverpool City Region, we’re trying to build a fair and inclusive economy where the benefits of jobs and investment are felt within our communities, rather than by shareholders. That means we’re committed to using as much local talent and expertise as possible.

“The new trains will massively benefit rail users, but I’m really keen that their impact is felt across the region. This new depot will go on creating high-quality local jobs for years to come as part of a 35-year contract to maintain and upgrade the new trains.”