Britain’s rail innovation capability took a major step forward as Rail Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill officially opened the country’s first electrified testing loop at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire.
The landmark 3.5km electrified test track was unveiled in front of hundreds of industry leaders, apprentices and local schoolchildren, reinforcing Long Marston’s growing role as a national hub for rail innovation, skills development and future traction technologies.
Joined on stage by Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant and well‑known rail content creator Francis Bourgeois, Lord Hendy cut the ribbon to formally launch the new facility. The audience included representatives from across the railway supply chain, apprentices from Network Rail, and pupils from local primary schools who had taken part in an inspirational Rail Project at the site.
The new electrified loop forms part of a wider transformation of Long Marston, delivered by Porterbrook, the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company. Porterbrook has invested over £75 million to create the 135‑acre, world‑leading rail innovation facility, designed to support the testing, development and deployment of the next generation of British trains.
Speaking at the opening, the Rail Minister highlighted the importance of the site to the future of the railway:
“The Rail Innovation Centre at Long Marston is a brilliant initiative which will support the next generation of trains in Britain.
“It was an honour to launch the centre’s new testing loop today and as a passenger, I look forward to travelling on the trains that have benefitted from being tested at the site.
“This kind of innovation is exactly what we want to see as we move towards Great British Railways so we can build a railway fit for the future which the public can rely on, and be proud of.”
Porterbrook’s leadership emphasised the collaborative nature of the investment and its long‑term commitment to the UK rail sector. CEO Mary Grant said:
“Long Marston is for the benefit of the whole industry. A site tailor‑made for innovation that demonstrates how private capital can work hand‑in‑hand with Great British Railways to deliver an exceptional service to the travelling public.
“We’re making clear, long‑term commitments to UK rail, not just as a financier, but as a genuine partner adding value now and for the future.”
The Long Marston development builds on a sustained programme of investment by Porterbrook. Over the past five years alone, the company has deployed more than £1 billion of capital into new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure.
Notably, over £14 million has been invested to build and test HydroFLEX, the UK’s first hydrogen‑powered passenger train, at Long Marston. Porterbrook has also strengthened the UK rail supply chain through the acquisition of a 49% stake in Brodie Engineering in Scotland, underlining its commitment to domestic engineering capability.
The launch event also marked the unveiling of refreshed Porterbrook branding, reflecting what the company described as a significant evolution in its role within the industry. The new identity highlights a core belief that the future of rail is built stronger, together, and reinforces Porterbrook’s commitment to working collaboratively with partners across the sector to drive innovation and deliver better outcomes for passengers.
With its electrified test loop now operational, Long Marston is set to play an increasingly critical role in supporting new rolling stock, alternative traction technologies and the wider ambitions of Great British Railways.
Image credits: Porterbrook & InsideOUT
