A new state-of-the-art maintenance hub in Buckinghamshire has been given the green light, with this supporting around 300 local jobs.
With approval granted by Buckinghamshire Council, the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot will host the equipment and workforce that HS2 will use to keep running efficiently every day. By being given the go-ahead, the depot marks a milestone in the HS2 project, with round-the-clock operation ensuring that On-Track Maintenance trains can access the mainline overnight when normal services aren’t running.
The fleet of maintenance trains will be based out of the hub, whilst heavy equipment can be delivered via connections to East-West Rail, which runs nearby.
Systems Delivery Director for HS2 Ltd, Iain Smith, said:
“Once complete, HS2 will dramatically improve journeys between our two largest cities and also free up space on the existing mainline for more local and freight trains.
“The maintenance depot at Calvert will be at the heart of the HS2 project – keeping the new railway running smoothly every day and supporting around 300 jobs. It’s great to get the green light for the design, and we look forward to making the vision a reality.”
The design of the depot has taken its inspiration from the local agricultural building style, as well as the area’s industrial heritage, by cladding the main buildings with naturally ageing red brick. The aesthetic impact of the buildings on the surrounding area will also be reduced through gently curved roofs, timber, and low-reflection metal finishing. Landscaping and new woodland planting will also work to shield the nearby village of Steeple Claydon from the depot – bringing 15,000 trees and 20,000 shrubs into use alongside paths, ponds, and wildlife habitats.
Two bridges, an underpass and 3.4 kilometres of adjacent earthworks have also been constructed to reduce disruption where HS2 crosses paths with East-West Rail.
Image credit: hs2.org.uk
