£12m Crossrail Test Centre opens at Bombardier
A new test facility for Crossrail to showcase what Boris Johnson has deemed ‘the best of British design and engineering’ has been completed at Bombardier’s site in Derby.
CPMG Architects’ designs have been built by Balfour Beatty to create the 10,400 sq m building, which has formed part of Bombardier’s existing Litchurch Lane plant.
Paul Bodill, the project’s director at CPMG, said: “This was a major project that we are proud to be involved in. Work to build the test centre started on site early last year and now it’s great to see the functional and modern building that will have a huge impact on the UK’s rail network complete.
“Bombardier’s £1 billion contract with the national rail giant meant that a new building was needed to accommodate the construction of 66 planned new trains for the UK’s developing rail network. New features for these trains include air-conditioned, Wi-Fi and 4G enabled carriages with the capacity to transport 1,500 train users.
“The test centre itself has been created to test and sell trains to clients – making it a dual functioning facility with the capability to house four complete trains within the 250 metre long building, as well as showcase the completed sets to clients. There are also office spaces and welfare facilities for up to 90 staff.
“Our designs have enabled testing to be carried out in a safe environment incorporating the highest spec materials for a contemporary build which is fit for purpose. We also value sustainability in our designs and have included, among other energy saving features, a high-performance thermal enclosure that also maximises daylight levels inside and is very low maintenance.
“We’re very pleased with the end result and delighted to play a part in bringing jobs to the Midlands Engine and supporting the modernisation of the UK rail network.”
CPMG attended the new building’s official unveiling by transport minister Patrick McLoughlin at an event attended by 60 people. He said: “The opening of this building is a historic moment for Derby, the UK and the rail industry as a whole.”
