London & South East Premier Rail

A revamp for Ilford Depot

Ilford Yard Depot, Crossrail
Written by Roma Publications

Ilford Yard Depot, Crossrail

As part of the Crossrail initiative Ilford Depot is undergoing a £50million upgrade.

The project covers the provision of additional stabling facilities at the depot, as well various other works on the site which is located adjacent to the Great Eastern Main Line between Ilford and Seven Kings.

VolkerFitzpatrick Limited has been awarded the design, enabling works, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of the new sidings, accommodation building and major modification of other existing depot facilities. The Ilford Depot will provide stabling for up to 12 trains from Crossrail rolling stock along the north eastern section of the Crossrail network.

As well as the provision of additional stabling facilities a number of existing buildings at the Ilford Yard site will be adapted to ensure that ten new sidings are built to house trains overnight. A new staff building is also being constructed for train drivers and other staff working at the depot.

VolkerFitzpatrick is one of the UK leading engineering and construction companies, providing specialist building, civil engineering and industry focused skills to a range of market sectors including commercial, industrial, education, rail, aviation, waste and energy.

The firm are experts in the rail industry having worked on Edge Hill Maintenance Depot in Liverpool, Deptford Station Redevelopment, Starr Gate Blackpool Tram Depot and Reading Train Core Depot. Other projects VolkerFitzpatrick have worke don include Birmingham Gateway, Buckshaw Parkway Station in Chorley, Windsor Lines Platform Extensions in Slouhg and Latimer Road and Shepherds Bush in London.

The depot will not only be vital for Crossrail’s operation but will also create job opportunities during construction and up to 90 jobs once the depot upgrades have been completed. The depot will remain operational during the construction works which began in May 2013 and is expected to be completed by summer 2016.

VolkerFitzpatrick initially surveyed the Ilford Depot back in September 2011 and are now undertaking the second phase of the scheme on behalf of Crossrail.

The Crossrail route will pass through 37 stations from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 13 mile tunnels below central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. To deliver these services, Crossrail needs around 60 new trains which will be stabled at Old Oak Common Depot, Ilford Depot, Gidea Park, Plumstead, Maidenhead and Shenfield.

Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director, said:

“It’s great to get work underway at Ilford Yard, which will have a vital role to play in the smooth running of Crossrail services. Crossrail will provide a step change in public transport for people in Redbridge. When the new services begin, brand new trains will take passengers right through the centre of the capital, reducing journey times and making it quicker and easier for them to get to a whole range of destinations across London and the South East.”
Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of Redbridge Council said:

“Crossrail will be a huge catalyst to development and investment in Redbridge and we are delighted that the construction works have now begun at Ilford Yard and depot by Volker Fitzpatrick on behalf of CRL. This will make an important contribution to a new era in cross London travel and continue the tradition of skilled railway engineering in this strategic location.

“Together with the Crossrail services that will operate from Ilford, Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath, the jobs, skills and other economic benefits locally will be considerable.”

 

About the author

Roma Publications