Foundations for North Eastern Railway roundhouses unearthed

Foundations for the North Eastern Railway roundhouses which were abandoned in the 1960s have been uncovered by Network Rail in York and are being opened to the public this month.

They are believed to date from around 1864.

The roundhouses were used to service steam trains and were uncovered by engineers carrying out site inspections for a planned rail operating and training facility on the site.

Phil Verster, route managing director for the London North Eastern route, said:

“This site is a great example of respecting our rail heritage whilst at the same time making exciting plans for our future.

“We are working closely with experts to make sure the roundhouses are recorded and looked after. Meanwhile, the plans for operating and training facilities are being developed to help us to deliver a modern, efficient railway.

“They will allow us to maintain York’s position as a proud rail city by retaining jobs here as well as bringing future employment benefits which are vital for economic growth and prosperity.”

The intention is that the rail operating centre (ROC) will eventually control all rail operations on the east coast.

The workforce development centre will consolidate training services already provided to rail employees at a number of locations around the route into a single, purpose-built facility.

Around 500 jobs will be spread over the two facilities when fully operational, Network Rail said.