Work will begin on the new train maintenance depot in Exeter

In partnership with Network Rail and the Department for Transport, train operator GWR is expanding its existing Exeter Olds View Depot train maintenance facility to accommodate an increase in its fleet size.

The £40 million upgrade will create more seats and more frequent services in the Devon and Cornwall area. Construction work is due to start this spring and be completed by early summer 2019.

GWR Regional Development Manager West, Matt Barnes, explained: “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.”

The new depot is situated alongside existing facilities next to Exeter St. Davids station and will provide enhanced modern servicing, cleaning and maintenance facilities necessary to support these trains. The depot will provide improved facilities for train maintenance but also new offices and welfare services for staff.

Hochtief (UK) has been appointed to carry out the works. Managing Director, Lawrence Jackson, said: “Hochtief is delighted to be supporting GWR in delivering the new depot at Exeter Olds View. 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.”

GWR is also delivering wider improvements which include new electric trains in London and Thames Valley area and new Intercity Express Trains across the GWR mainline network. These also contain the largest fleet upgrade that the network will see in a generation. The efforts of GWR will provide significant advances in capacity on mainline, regional and local services.