WMR’s Tyseley Depot Upgrade: Rail Infrastructure in UK Boost

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Introduction

West Midlands Railway (WMR) has completed a £70 million redevelopment of Tyseley Traction Maintenance Depot (TMD) in Birmingham. The upgraded depot, unveiled on 24 October, maintains and services 94 trains and supports WMR’s £1 billion investment in new rolling stock and infrastructure.

Project Overview

West Midlands Railway (WMR) completed a £70 million redevelopment of Tyseley Traction Maintenance Depot (TMD) in Birmingham. The project, officially unveiled on 24 October, is a significant step in improving train service reliability across the West Midlands. Local representatives and rail industry experts toured the site to view the modernised facilities.

Fleet Support and Capacity

The Tyseley upgrade supports WMR’s new Class 196 fleet, introduced in 2022, alongside the existing Class 172 fleet and CrossCountry’s Class 170 trains. The 26-train Class 196 fleet operates services from Birmingham to Hereford and Shrewsbury, as well as between Nuneaton, Coventry and Leamington. The depot’s main shed has been extended to accommodate the 96-metre-long Class 196 trains, increasing indoor capacity from 29 to 38 vehicles.

Infrastructure and Sustainability

The redevelopment includes enhanced inspection facilities, new train lifting equipment, and a solar farm comprising 302 panels on the shed roof. The solar installation is expected to generate 124,000 kWh annually, saving an estimated 58 tonnes of carbon each year.

Employment and Training

Tyseley Depot employs over 200 staff members, including 130 technicians and ten management positions. The site also hosts WMR’s engineering apprenticeship programme, with 16 apprentices currently enrolled. In the last year, there have been 49 new apprentice starters.

Project Funding and Execution

The three-year project was funded in partnership with Angel Trains and the Department for Transport, with building work carried out by Spencer Rail Engineering, part of Spencer Group.

Conclusion

The Tyseley redevelopment, part of a wider investment by WMR, ensures efficient and sustainable fleet maintenance, supporting improved reliability and performance across WMR’s network.

Company Summary

West Midlands Railway (WMR): Operates services across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill.

CrossCountry: Operates Class 170 trains.

Angel Trains: A financial partner in the Tyseley redevelopment project.

Department for Transport: A funding partner for the Tyseley redevelopment.

Spencer Rail Engineering: Part of Spencer Group, responsible for building work on the Tyseley project.

Spencer Group: Parent company of Spencer Rail Engineering.

London Northwestern Railway: Runs between Liverpool and Birmingham, and on the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston. Operated by London Northwestern & West Midlands Railways.

London Northwestern & West Midlands Railways: Operates both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services.

Technology

Class 196: A fleet of 26 trains operated by WMR, featuring intelligent air conditioning, charging ports, and digital passenger information screens.

Class 172: An existing train fleet supported by the Tyseley depot upgrade.

Class 170: Trains operated by CrossCountry and supported by the Tyseley depot.

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