Plans are being put in place to build a revolutionary £250m railway infrastructure hub in South Wales. A meet-the-buyer event is taking place this week.
by Richard Allan / November 1, 2022
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) purchased a 700-hectare site from Celtic Energy nearly four years ago.
The vision is to create a ‘one-stop shop’ for railway innovation, R&D, and testing of rail infrastructure.
Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change said “Crucially, it will help manage the cost of rail projects by testing ideas earlier before their deployment on projects and support the vital innovation we need to get to Net Zero. The formal acquisition of the land now paves the way for the start of construction by allowing GCRE and their contractors to take control of the site and begin to establish the infrastructure required to turn this ambitious and exciting vision into reality.”
The project is split into three phases:
Phase 1: The provision of sidings for rolling stock from the summer of 2023.
Phase 2: The building of two electrified test loops, with supporting infrastructure and buildings from 2024.
Phase 3: Expanded stabling, maintenance, and commissioning facilities along with research facilities, hotel, and business park in 2025 and ongoing.
Already on the job:
- Walters Group
- Atkins
- Fifth Studio
- Arcadis
- Mott MacDonald
All partners are working together to design the site and begin preparation for construction early next year.
Meet the buyer: GCRE is inviting prospective supply chain partners and suppliers to meet the buyer and find out more about contracts expected to be worth around £250 million on Wednesday 2 November 2022 at 1:30 pm in City Hall, Cardiff.
Kelly Warburton, Chief Commercial Officer for GCRE said: “This is an invitation to those interested in being part of the wider team that will deliver this transformational project. We’re beginning early consultation with prospective suppliers about the opportunities, to discuss current thinking and set out our plans to deliver a modern and dynamic test facility for international rail innovation with leading-edge research and development facilities.
“GCRE has the potential to transform the railway industry in the UK and we want the supply chain to be part of this with a real focus on collaboration and a genuine sense of partnership. From local contractors to major tier one industry partners, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage and be part of our journey. Beginning the discussions now will help suppliers to introduce themselves to our team and understand the opportunities available.”