New sustainable bus garage developed by BAM

Construction firm BAM has been appointed by National Express to re-plan and re-engineer its new Perry Barr Bus Garage scheme, to enable it to achieve a highly sustainable status.

The 6.5 acre site will provide a new base for more than 450 drivers, engineers and back office workers and includes a cafe, rest areas, shower facilities and dedicated training rooms. The garage also has the capacity to house a full fleet of electric buses and their chargers.

The last departure from its 90 year-old depot will happen tomorrow morning (December 10) and the 170 strong fleet will return to the new facility on the junction of Wellhead Lane and Aston Lane.

As National Express West Midlands is aiming to be net zero by 2030 the garage has been fitted with 150 dollar panels, air source heat pumps, a green roof with 22 species of plants, a green wall and flower garden and a self-contained water recycling system for bus washes.

David Bradford, managing director of National Express West Midlands said: “From the very start of the project, we wanted to create a site that offered our people a high quality working environment but to also ensure a low environmental impact in both the build and future operations.

“By being able to design something from scratch, we’ve transformed how we work from top to bottom. Through evolving our garage and operations we’ll use less energy, be even safer, have more efficient ways of working, and are better equipped to train and look after our people – while providing great value transport for the people of the West Midlands”.

BAM has been the principal contractor for the design and construction of the project.

Steve Roome, BAM Construction Director, said: “The success of this scheme is down to trust and teamwork. BAM has been able to adapt around National Express West Midlands’ needs and to help them achieve a greener, lower carbon scheme.

“Our collaborative approach has worked well in giving our client the options they needed to deliver a fantastic new, future-proofed, facility both for their people and for the people of Birmingham.”

National Express is also recruiting for both drivers and engineers to work at the Perry Barr garage. Bradford says the firm has increased its pay rates and improved flexibility. 

The new garage is part of the wider regeneration of the Perry Barr area by Birmingham City Council.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “As well as delivering new homes and improvements to community facilities like the Alexander Stadium, the programme of regeneration in Perry Barr is also delivering a range of sustainable transport options that will make the area one of the most well connected in the region”.

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