Great Western Railway (GWR) has signed a contract with Hochtief to build a new maintenance depot in Exeter.
Work is due to start in the spring and the new depot is expected to open in summer 2019.
The new £40 million facility will expand GWR’s existing Exeter Olds View depot next to Exeter St. Davids station to accommodate the operator’s growing fleet in Devon and Cornwall.
GWR’s regional development manager west, Matt Barnes, said: “With brand new electric trains in operation on suburban London services and bi-mode Intercity Express Trains coming to the mainline in Devon and Cornwall this summer, this depot will allow us to expand the regional train fleet at Exeter – providing more carriages, and more frequent services to the area.”
Hochtief’s managing director, Lawrence Jackson, said: “Hochtief (UK) is a major supplier of rail infrastructure in the Western region and is delighted to be supporting GWR in delivering the new depot at Exeter Olds View.
“Our business will work in collaboration with the project team to provide an essential part of rail fleet improvements.
“The project will provide local employment and training through apprenticeships to provide a legacy from the construction work and the project team will liaise with local schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of construction workers.”
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