York rail operating centre plans given go ahead

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Plans for a rail operating centre in York have been given the go ahead by the city council.

Network Rail will develop a new rail operating centre and workforce development centre on land close to York station.

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail’s London North Eastern (LNE) route, said:

“This decision is great news for York and the railway. These operating and training facilities will allow us to deliver a modern, efficient railway while at the same time maintaining York’s position as a proud rail city. The centres will retain jobs in the city and, over time, see all of our rail operations for the LNE route consolidated on this site.

“The operating centre is the largest of just 14 proposed centres across Britain and will bring the expertise and technology we need to operate the route into a single location. Meanwhile the investment in modern training facilities will make sure our rail employees remain among the best in the world.

“As well as bringing future employment benefits which are vital for economic growth and prosperity in York we hope that the location of these new facilities on the edge of the York Central development site could act as a catalyst for further investment in the area.”

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.

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