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: December 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 process
We have entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Neath Port Talbot and Powys Councils and are working in partnership to develop 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.
Next steps
Work has already been undertaken and further studies and technical work has been commissioned. We will do this with an outline business case. We are currently running a consultation that will last for 12 weeks.