Washwood Heath depot

INITIAL design images have been released of HS2’s Washwood Heath depot.

As well as being used for the maintenance, servicing and stabling of trains, the network’s main control centre will be based there.

Around 250 staff will work in the maintenance building, which will house workshops, offices and staff facilities. On the west side, the stabling yard will be linked to a building for train servicing teams and driver training. Around 200 staff will be based there.

The Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC) employing a hundred people will be a standalone building, centrally-located within the site, including a control room, gym and canteen.

HS2 WENDOVER DEAN WORK BEGINS: The first pile of 53 that will form the foundations of Wendover Dean Viaduct, south of Wendover in Buckinghamshire, has been sunk. The almost 1500ft (450 metre)long viaduct is said to be the first major railway bridge in the UK to be built with a double composite structure. HS2 says this uses significantly less concrete and steel than a more traditional design, giving a lower carbon footprint and a stronger but more elegant design.

HS2 Left: An impression of the maintenance building planned for the HS2 depot at Washwood Heath.