GB Railfreight (GBRf) has opened a new maintenance hub in Peterborough following a 5.7 million GBP investment.
The new facility is located alongside the East Coast Mainline and represents one of the most significant investments in the UK’s rail freight sector in 2023.
Construction on the hub was completed in 10 months on a previously derelict plot of land. It is powered entirely by electricity and has been designed to support electric shunt engines and forklifts to reduce carbon emissions.
“This impressive new maintenance hub demonstrates the important role private sector investment plays in modernising the rail freight industry and helping grow the economy.
“Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of moving goods across the country – this new facility will help deliver clean, safe and secure freight journeys while creating jobs in Peterborough and boosting the city’s economy.”
The new maintenance hub contributes towards GB Railfreight’s growth plans to run around 80 intermodal services a day by 2025.
The facility will be able to analyse four wagons per shift while delivering enhanced safety and reliability standards.
As new smart technologies emerge, it will also act as a testbed to help GBRf identify future industry solutions.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to continued investment and innovation in the rail network. The role of the private sector cannot be understated as a tool to help Britain drive jobs and growth in its regional economies and achieve its net zero targets. We are excited for the role we get to play in this important journey as we meet the demands of customers looking to decarbonise their supply chains.”
