Deal reached to reactivate St Blazey turntable
MPOWER Kernow CIC (MPKC) has signed a lease with DB Cargo to restore and operate the turntable and associated buildings at St Blazey depot near Par in Cornwall.
MPKC has been established by marine engineer Duncan Mitchell and Barrow Hill boss Mervyn Allcock to create a technical training centre for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and construction industry skills.
The restoration of the turntable will allow main line steam locos to be serviced at the depot once more, bringing economic benefits to Cornwall with more railtours.
The project will include clearing vegetation, upgrading existing buildings (although the depot’s famous half roundhouse is currently not included as this is now occupied by non-rail businesses), and repair of engineering plant on-site.
The training programme will work with local and regional employers to help provide a ‘work-ready’ labour force with the transferable STEM and construction skills.