Alstom searches for build team for £40m engineering centre

Alstom Transport is looking for a contractor to deliver the construction of a train engineering and maintenance facility in Widnes of up to 550,000 sq ft.

Halton Council submitted a planning application on behalf of Alstom at the end of last month, outlining a phased plan for the 80-acre HBC Fields site in Halebank, near to the West Coast railway mainline.

The site is included as part of the Mersey Multi Modal Gateway strategic development plan, formulated in 2000 and known as 3MG.

The facility would build on Alstom’s involvement in the UK rail market where it offers warehousing, component manufacturing, repair and modernisation services for intercity, regional and metro trains.

The first phase will include a 300,000 sq ft facility with access from rail and road, to house engineering operations, alongside a substation, service yards and HGV parking.

Later phases would include an 80,000 sq ft extension to the service yard, followed by an 180,000 sq ft warehouse.

If successful the site could expand into a neighbouring 15-acre plot of land and with a focus on renewable energy.

The proposals are due to be discussed by Halton Council in February 2016. The application was prepared by RPS Group for Halton Council.

Savills is advising Alstom on the tender process for a contractor.