West Midlands Trains has released plans to build state-of-the-art electric train depot at Bescot Freight Yard.
The proposed development is part of the company’s £1 billion investment programme which will provide more trains for passengers in the West Midlands and across their network. The depot is expected to create more than 100 brand new jobs.
If approved the plans will see a 25% increase in train capacity by 2021 on both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway train services.
Bescot freight yard and maintenance depot in Wednesbury has been identified as the future home for West Midlands Trains new electric trains, which are under construction in Derby.
The plans aren’t connected with the Network Rail sleeper facility proposal, which saw concerns raised by local residents. West Midlands Trains has said it will address community concerns regarding the development through local public engagement.
The public engagement event will be held on Wednesday 5 February 2020 at the Savoy and Mayfair Rooms, Walsall Football Club from 6.30–8:30pm.
West Midlands Trains project director Jane Fisher said: “Our new trains will bring a step change in local rail services and this state-of-the-art depot will bring over 100 new jobs to the local area.
“We know some local people may have concerns about the proposed developments at the Bescot site in Wednesbury, and we want them to come and share their views with us.
“We have already met with some members of the local community and we are committed to working with residents in Wednesbury to address any concerns they may have as we develop our plans and to have them as part of shaping the future of our local transport services.”
No decisions have been made and West Midlands Trains is in the very early stages of preparing a planning application. The planning application once submitted will be subject to approval from Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
