We are developing proposals for a modern rail industry testing facility in South Wales.
Contents
Summary
Project status: planning
Region/county: south Wales
Start date: end 2017
End date: 2023/2024
Cost: approximately £100m
Partners: Neath Port Talbot Council and Powys Council.
What we are doing
We are developing proposals for a rail testing complex with 2 electrified oval tracks. They will allow for testing speeds of up to 110mph with the option for a tunnel section and a full platform environment for testing and training. Proposals include:
- a large, well-equipped maintenance facility
- secure storage for around 400 vehicles
- a decommissioning facility and an R&D innovation accelerator
- education centre with labs
- office space and training facilities in a dynamic environment
Why we are doing it
We want to deliver a world class train testing facility in the UK. We are confident this will be a significant attraction to investors and provide a vital service to UK and overseas based train manufacturers, the wider industry and the supply chain.
Current progress
We have entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Neath Port Talbot and Powys local authorities and in partnership we are developing a masterplan. We are looking at financial and commercial opportunities with the rail industry and are developing a planning application.
The preferred site is located in Onllwyn and Nant Helen in the Dulais valley on the Neath Port Talbot and Powys border.
We consulted on the proposals from 2 July to 7 October 2019.
Next steps
We will look at feedback from industry stakeholders and the 2019 consultation.
The environmental impact assessment will influence the final proposals for a Global centre of rail excellence.
We will submit the planning application in early 2020.