Construction work has started on a £1.5 million locomotive maintenance facility in Leicester city centre which will eventually lead to new jobs on the site.
Rail vehicle engineering and maintenance provider UK Rail Leasing Ltd (UKRL), is building the depot at its base alongside the mainline track off Beal Street, near St George’s Retail Park and not far from the city railway station.
This new facility has been designed to maintain new classes of locomotives and give UKRL significant extra capacity in Leicester to expand its maintenance business. Once operational in early 2024, it should create 15 new, highly skilled jobs.
Mark Winter, managing director at UKRL joined City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and John Smith, chief executive at rail transportation specialist GB Railfreight (GBRf) to mark the start of work, which is being supported by a development loan from HSBC UK.
Mark Winter said: “This expansion in Leicester means we will be playing our part in developing a more efficient rail network by providing maintenance services for clients where they are needed.
“The new shed also increases our capacity for all our customers who know our expertise in maintenance and servicing rail vehicles ensures reliability”.
Sir Peter Soulsby said it was good news for the city.
He said: “Since founding in Leicester almost 10 years ago, this important and innovative engineering company has gone from strength to strength, making major local investment, creating new skilled jobs and helping to put our city on the map as a fantastic place to do business.”
John Smith said: “For the rail freight sector to grow, we need investments like the one that UKRL are making in Leicester.
“This state-of-the-art depot will provide a new facility for locomotive maintenance that will improve sustainability and efficiency for freight operators, in addition to driving jobs and growth in the East Midlands region.”
Mark Lupton, area director at HSBC UK, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the business to help the team meet their sustainability goals.
"We’re committed to helping local businesses innovate, thrive, and grow in their respective sectors.”
