A state-of-the-art £46.5 million facility built to keep trains running for passengers has opened in Yorkshire.
The 175-year-old Hillhouse Sidings in Huddersfield has been transformed into a light maintenance depot, as part of the multi-billion pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
Northern staff are now working to maintain, repair, and clean trains at the site, with most of that work taking place overnight so services are ready for the following day.
Known as Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot, it was officially opened by Northern at an event earlier this week.
The depot, which is open 24 hours a day, will provide five lines with modern maintenance facilities that can accommodate up to 24 carriages.
Engineers will begin by working on diesel trains on two lines. Another three will be completed in the coming years, before electric and bi-mode services are introduced.
Rob Warnes, Northern’s strategic development director, said: “We’re delighted this depot is now open, following years of hard work and millions of pounds of investment.
“It will play a vital role in ensuring services are in an excellent condition and run smoothly for passengers along the upgraded Transpennine Route.”
Paul Sumner, senior sponsor for the TRU, said: “The opening of Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot is another fantastic milestone for the TRU.
“By transforming this site into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, we’re helping to ensure trains are kept in the best possible condition for passengers across the North.
“This depot will not only support more reliable services today, but it’s also future-proofed for electric and bi-mode trains, making it a key part of building a greener, faster and more dependable railway for years to come”
The TRU is transforming the 76-mile railway so it can be used to run faster, more frequent and more reliable services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
Huddersfield station is being redeveloped as part of the project and earlier this week it reopened to customers, with three rebuilt and extended platforms.
Phase two of the upgrades will continue behind a sectioned-off area, allowing construction teams to complete the remaining platform, canopy and track work.
When that work is finished in early 2027, Huddersfield station will be able to accommodate longer trains with more seats, so customers can enjoy more comfortable journeys.
Passengers using Huddersfield station are advised to check the latest information before travelling.
Image credit: Northern
