31.10.13
Ardwick depot powers up
Source: Rail Technology Magazine Oct/Nov 2013
FTPE managing director Nick Donovan and Siemens’ Steve Scrimshaw celebrate the upgrade at their Manchester depot.
The extended and upgraded Ardwick depot got its official opening at a ceremony on September 27.
The Siemens train maintenance facility, now electrified, was officially ‘switched on’ by Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell.
“The work includes a building extension to accommodate the current diesel trains, and electrification upgrades to house and service a fleet of 10 new Class 350/4s for First TransPennine Express (FTPE).
Ardwick was stipulated by FTPE as part of the contract, which its managing director Nick Donovan said “meant considerable alteration to the depot and a great deal of engineering innovation”.
He added: “I am delighted with the alliance work between ourselves, Siemens and Network Rail, which has improved depot capability, future-proofed the facility and importantly kept our current fleet fully operational and available to customers.”
He called the electrification and extension of the depot a “fundamental step to delivering more capacity and faster journeys for rail customers in the North of England”.
The 40 new carriages will come into service from the end of 2013, following the electrification of the eastern section of the Manchester to Liverpool via Newton-le-Willows line, for services to Glasgow.
Siemens already maintains FTPE’s 51 Class 185s. Managing director Steve Scrimshaw said: “Ardwick depot was first opened in 2006 following a £30m investment by Siemens.
“Whilst it was expected to remain a diesel-only facility for the rest of its operational life, it was designed with the option to be extended to meet future needs. Since that time there has been a major focus on electrifying the railways and we are delighted that, as a result of the Ardwick electrification, Siemens has been able to play an integral part in helping FTPE deliver additional passenger services on its busy network.”
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