UK: Spencer Group has completed a £1·8m refurbishment of Manchester International depot to enable it to be used to service and stable Northern’s Class 323 electric multiple-units.
The depot was built in the early 1990s as part of the abortive plan to operate Eurostar services from Manchester to the Continent via the Channel Tunnel. It has since been used for commissioning new fleets, but not as an active depot.
As part of the modernisation, Spencer Group has installed control emission toilet facilities, energy efficient LED lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, CCTV and a new fire alarm system. It has removed redundant and life-expired equipment, and created additional stabling capacity to alleviate congestion at other depots.
‘This project is an example of Spencer Group providing a complete solution which meets our client’s needs’, said the Hull-based company’s Operations Director (M&E) Dan Whittle on January 4. ‘We’ve taken it from feasibility to implementation and completion utilising our in-house design capabilities. We’ve also developed and installed a bespoke CET system ourselves, based on extensive research.
‘Our skillset means we can deliver projects like this in their entirety. We’re adaptable and flexible too, meaning we’re able to tailor our delivery to the client’s needs.’
