HS2 arrival prompts Hammerstone Depot revamp
Manchester City Council has approved its own plans to upgrade the Gorton facility in preparation for the relocation of several services from the city’s Hooper Street Depot, which is due to close to pave the way for the construction of the high-speed railway line.
The 9.3-acre Hammerstone Depot, previously home to steam locomotive manufacturer Beyer, Peacock & Co, is located off Gorton Lane close to the Manchester – Glossop railway line.
Under plans designed by Fletcher Rae Architects, several underused buildings at the council-owned site, plus others in poor condition, will be demolished.
The main part of the project will see the 107,000 sq ft locomotive shed refurbished. It will house upgraded offices, storage space and workshop accommodation.
At present, several council departments, including trading standards, taxi licensing and environmental crimes, are located at Hammerstone.
The arrival of HS2 into Manchester means that departments currently located at Hooper Street Depot will be relocated to Hammerstone so that the new line can be built.
The proposed HS2 line would pass through the Hooper Street site on its way to Manchester Piccadilly.
The refurbishment of the loco shed at Hammerstone is designed to house existing departments and those relocating.
As well as upgrading the loco shed, the council plans to deliver a new gatehouse, reconfigured commercial and staff car parking areas, and a new ‘winter maintenance’ area with salt storage barn.
In total, 54,000 sq ft of redundant space will be demolished and 17,400 sq ft of new space will be created.
Morgan Sindall has been appointed as main contractor for the project. Turley is the planning consultant.
