£10m has been invested in or committed to Northern Rail’s Botanic Gardens TrainCare Centre, in Hull, over the past three years.
This has seen the number of staff located at the site increase from 12 to 50, with many of these workers taken on for high-skilled engineering roles.
The facility is now the home depot for 22 trains which comprise the fleet operating services from Hull and throughout Yorkshire, including to destinations such as Bridlington, Scarborough, Doncaster, York and Sheffield.
As well as servicing its own trains, the depot supports TransPennine Express and Hull Trains with fuelling, cleaning and light servicing.
Hull City Council said the centre is, “an excellent example of how brownfield sites across Hull can be regenerated to drive job opportunities.”
Lord Mayor of Hull Councillor Cheryl Payne, who toured the depot with officers from the council’s regeneration directorate, said: “The centre is an impressive facility and a hugely important one for the city and the wider region, both in terms of supporting local jobs and skills opportunities and with regards to ensuring the rail network in this part of the country runs efficiently and smoothly.”
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Northern’s commitment to Hull and that vehicles serving this area are based in the city and serviced in the city.
“As a local authority, we are keen to strengthen our working relationship with Northern and the city’s other operators to grow the rail sector in Hull, which has considerable potential – particularly in relation to employment and skills in engineering.
“We are also keen to explore how we can further leverage Government funding for rail infrastructure and projects.”
Arron Ibbotson, depot delivery manager for Northern, added: “The investment here has not only improved the reliability of our trains, but it’s also created opportunities for local people to build rewarding careers in rail engineering.
“Our team here in Hull take real pride in keeping services running for the community.
“We’re especially proud of the work we’re doing with apprentices and our support for STEM education, helping to inspire the next generation and encourage more young people, including women, to see engineering as a career for them.”
