Site for Centre of Rail Excellence formally acquired

The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has reached a major milestone, with the formal acquisition from Celtic Energy of the former Nant Helen opencast mine and Onllwyn Washery in South Wales.

Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething confirmed the purchase of the 700-hectare site, at the head of the Dulais Valley, on October 27.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2021 for the creation of a ‘one stop shop’ for railway innovation, testing, verification and certification.

The £250 million GCRE will include two fully electrified test loops, one of them a 6.9km (4.3mile) high-speed rolling stock test track with a maximum speed of 180kph (112mph).

Other facilities will include rolling stock storage and maintenance areas, operations and control offices, staff accommodation, and a connection to the South Wales Main Line.

A consortium of consultants - including Arcadis, Atkins and

Mott McDonald - is now drawing up plans for the site ahead of construction beginning early next year.

“The GCRE being constructed here in Wales is one of the most critical and creative infrastructure projects happening anywhere in Europe,” said Gething.

“Its significance to the local community and the Welsh economy should not be underestimated. This is a vital regeneration project that will create much-needed jobs and skills.”