22.01.19
Rail company in bid to build multi-million-pound rail depot near Ipswich station
Rail company Freightliner has revealed that it is hoping to build a new multi-million pound depot for its trains just outside Ipswich station.
Freightliner said it wants to build an extensive workshop to maintain its locomotives and wagons, with around 20 new full-time and part-time jobs created to help it carry out the maintenance currently carried out at other depots across the country.
The rail firm also wants to move its fuelling point to the depot, enabling its diesel locomotives to be refuelled without having to cross the main line after they arrive from Felixstowe.
The new site for the depot would be just outside of Ipswich station. In its planning application to Ipswich council, Freightliner says its nearest wagon maintenance plants are in Manchester and Southampton, which “results in many unnecessary and significant trips.”
As reported by the Ipswich Star, the company’s director Tim Shakerley said: “There is a growing demand from the government to move more goods by rail.
“Each freight train takes up to 76 lorry journeys off our congested road network and is a far safer means of transport.
“We take any impact we have on our neighbours and the environment very seriously and have written to local residents to give them full details of our plans and invited them to contact our project team with any questions.”
Freightliner, which operates 22 trains a day from Felixtowe to places across the country, has submitted its planning application to the council. The result is expected to be revealed during the spring.