As a part of investment into the Metro network in the area, a contract has been awarded for the development of a new Metro Maintenance and Renewals Skills Centre in South Shields. The contract has been awarded to Stephen George + Partners who is known for being on of the leading architectural practices in the UK.
The Metro Maintenance and Renewals Skills Centre will deliver training for more than 1,000 people who are working on the Metro. This training will include contractors who are working on the £350 million modernisation work that is taking place on the urban rail system, a transport network that is used by 40 million passengers a year. This new facility will contain classrooms, a lecture room, meeting rooms, a mock control room, offices, a staff room, canteen and changing rooms with showers. There will also be covered tracks and inspection pits, a platform, lobby and barriers.
The Architects worked with Galliford Try Infrastructure in order to develop their design for a building that would meet their client’s needs while remaining in budget. SGP have designed a single building that has the working space spread over three storeys in order to create space for a training centre and a light maintenance facility. The design of a single building as opposed to several will cut down overall operational costs for Nexus. Vertically stacking the pace allows for the reception and breakout spaces to overlook the main entrance and allowed the classrooms, meeting and engineering activities to be clearly split over the different floors. The single building offers the most efficient design and the optimal use of foundations, structure, stairs, lifts and site clearance work.
This is an innovative new project for the region, with maintenance usually taken outside of the region. The investment will help skilled work associated with this industry to make a comeback in South Shields. The project will also be a valuable new addition to SGP’s transport sector portfolio.
