Doncaster, UK – October 9, 2024 – In a significant boost for the local rail industry, Network Rail has been unveiled as the new tenant of the former National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure.
The leading rail infrastructure provider has secured a 25-year lease on the site from the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) and plans to transform it into a state-of-the-art training facility.Located on Carolina Way near Lakeside, the building was originally opened in 2017 to support the High Speed 2 (HS2) project but closed its doors in 2023 due to low enrolment and financial challenges.
Network Rail’s new initiative aims to revive the site’s educational purpose by offering a range of apprenticeship and trainee engineering opportunities.
Commitment to Training and Development
Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s Eastern managing director, expressed excitement about the acquisition. “We’re delighted to have taken over the building and believe it’s fitting that our new training facility will be in Doncaster as it’s an historic railway city,” he stated. “This industry-leading facility will enable us to provide bespoke training and education for our current and future workforce, ultimately helping us run a safe and reliable railway.”
The facility will include classrooms, office spaces, and a large open hall that currently houses an original Eurostar power car. Preparations are underway to get the building ready for its first cohort of trainees.
Positive Impact on Doncaster
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, hailed the development as great news for both the city and the nation’s rail industry. “Our city has a rich heritage in rail, being the birthplace of iconic locomotives like the Mallard and Flying Scotsman,” she remarked. “It is wonderful to see this tradition continuing with more rail expertise joining our already successful rail industries in Doncaster.”
The establishment of this training facility aligns with Doncaster’s Education and Skills 2030 strategy, which aims to enhance local employment opportunities through higher-level skills training. The lease arrangements were approved by CDC’s Cabinet in August and adhere to a Department of Education covenant that requires the building to be used for post-16 education until 2043.
Looking Ahead
Further details about the new training facility are expected to be released soon, but local officials are optimistic about its potential to bolster Doncaster’s economy by providing valuable training opportunities for aspiring rail professionals.
As preparations continue, both Network Rail and city leaders anticipate that this initiative will solidify Doncaster’s status as a national rail hub dedicated to advanced manufacturing and engineering.
