Location York, England Type DMU Owner Siemens | Depot code(s) YK (2007-present) Original Siemens Opened 2007 | |
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The York Leeman Road railway depot, in York is a passenger multiple unit depot built in the mid 2000s to service new Class 185 diesel multiple units ordered by First TransPennine Express for use on their new franchise.
Contents
The facility's shed code is YK.
History
Before the 1870s area of the site area was undeveloped and in agricultural use, an area known as 'Bishop Fields'. In 1877 the new Holgate railway station (see York railway station), and its associated loop line opened. The loop line passed through Bishop Fields, and through the 20th century surrounding land north of Leeman Rd. was extensively developed, much for railway use including a large engine shed to the east, sidings, and a large carriage shed to the west. In the latter part of the 20th century there was some contraction; the carriage shed was removed and the engine shed ceased to have an operational role; the engine shed became part of the National Railway Museum (opened 1975), In 2004 the site of the depot was occupied by a mixture of disused and in-use railway sidings.
Transpennine express depot
In 2003 the new TransPennine Express franchise was awarded to a consortium of FirstGroup and Keolis. as part of the franchise agreement the franchise holder was to introduce a new fleet of 100 mph trains, together with new maintenance facilities for the fleet - the main depot was to be at manchester, a secondary depot was to be built at York. An order for about 50 diesel multiple unit trains and the associated maintenance facilities was placed with Siemens in 2003; the trains were given the classification Class 185.
The facilities required by the franchise agreement included: a one road 3 car length shed, and sidings for eight 3 car trains; also required were siding facilities for controlled emission toilet servicing, fuelling; as well as train electric supply (125A three phase), offices, stores, and a 1.5 t (1.5 long tons; 1.7 short tons) capacity overhead hoist.
In 2004 Siemens submitted a planning application for a depot on Leeman Road to York City Council, the plans were approved in May 2005.
A ground breaking ceremony took place in December 2005. Main contractors for the £10 million works were Spencer Group.
The depot was opened in May 2007, by Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
Allocation
As of 2016, the depot's allocation consists of Northern Class 142 Pacers and TransPennine Express Class 185 Desiros.