The first design images for HS2’s Washwood Heath Depot, the maintenance facility and main control centre for the whole HS2 network, have been revealed
HS2’s Washwood Heath Depot is where HS2 trains will be maintained, serviced and stored when not in use, and includes the Maintenance Building, Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC) and Cleaners and Drivers Building.
All the buildings have been designed to celebrate engineering and provide sustainable working, as well as outdoor amenity spaces for staff.
The design of the building includes solar roof panels, reusing rainwater runoff from some of the building roofs, sustainable drainage, renewable energy, low carbon materials and intelligent lighting provide additional environmental benefits during construction and operation.
Accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists has been incorporated into the design of Washwood Heath Depot, with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist routes connecting with Birmingham’s future transport network.
In addition to car parks, provision is included for electric vehicle charging points, cycle and motorcycle parking for staff and visitors, and parking for individuals with limited mobility at all depot facilities, alongside taxi and delivery vehicle drop off zones.
Washwood Heath Depot is a ‘great example’ of HS2’s environmental ambitions
Richard Kirkham, HS2’s head of delivery project said: “Our design team have been focused on ensuring sustainability is incorporated into our Washwood Heath Depot site and it is a great example of HS2’s environmental ambitions. It’s also a pivotal site providing hundreds of crucial jobs for people in this area of Birmingham, highlighting the long-term economic benefits that HS2 is delivering for the region.
“We’re also working closely with Birmingham City Council and other key stakeholders to achieve aspirations for the wider area to the south of the Washwood Heath Depot site which provides the opportunity to create more jobs, connectivity, and environmental benefits.”
The design process will be ‘refined and developed’ over the upcoming months
Russ Dale, project manager at HS2’s Engineering Delivery Partnership commented: “These images are part of an ongoing design process which will be refined and developed over the coming months by our expert team.
“Before we submit the designs to the local Council for approval later this year, we are sharing them with the community and asking people for feedback around areas of our design.”
HS2’s Washwood Heath Depot also includes office accommodation, workshops and staff welfare facilities.
Around 250 staff will work in the building, including facilities management, fleet management, production, cleaning, and depot drivers.
Work on site to date includes demolition of buildings and groundworks to prepare the site for the construction of the new Depot and Control Centre.
