Nexus plans for a £8.5m train-ing hub unveiled
RAIL SKILLS CENTRE FOR METRO STAFF TO BE BUILT ON TYNESIDE
Reporter NEXUS is to build a state-of-the-art new training centre in South Shields to train more than 1,000 members of staff who keep the Metro running.
Planning permission for the £8.4m bespoke building on land between Mile End Road and Salem Street was granted by South Tyneside Council this week.
The three-storey development, being led by the firm Galliford Try, is scheduled for completion next spring.
It will feature a train driver simulator and a 70-metre stretch of working track to train staff how to fix ever-present problems like signalling issues and overhead line failures.
Tobyn Hughes, Nexus’ managing director, said: “Our new £8.4m rail skills centre will deliver a step change in the quality of the training we can provide to our staff, contractors and industry partners.
“This will be a state-of-the art training centre which will be vastly superior to the training facilities we have at the moment and this will be of huge benefit to our workforce and for the longterm future of the Tyne and Wear Metro system.
“The site in South Shields offers an excellent location on the existing Metro network. The town centre is already enjoying major regeneration through South Tyneside Council’s 365 Masterplan and we are partners in building a new transport interchange.
“The new Skills Centre will complement this redevelopment and bring new opportunities to the area.”
It is being funded through a £7m grant from a regional development fund via the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and the North East Combined Authority, plus £1.4m direct from Nexus.
The centre will have mocked-up Metro stations complete with a fulllength platform, ticket gates, PA system, CCTV and help point.
There will also be space to house a small number of Metro trains and carry out light maintenance on them.