High Speed 2 has released the first images of what its maintenance facility and main control centre at Washwood Heath, Birmingham, will look like.
Trains for the new railway will be maintained there, and the route controlled from the Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC). There will also be buildings for cleaners and drivers.
The building design incorporates solar roof panels and rainwater collection, while use of low carbon materials and ‘intelligent lighting’ will reduce the environmental impact during construction and operation.
The maintenance building will be the primary operations hub and in addition to equipment to maintain the HS2 fleet will incorporate offices, workshops, staff welfare facilities and stores. Around 250 staff will work in it.
Standing separate is the NICC, located centrally designed to accommodate operational and management functions. It will include a control room, gym and canteen. The cleaners and drivers building at the western end of the site will be linked to the stabling yard where trains will be cleaned and replenished, supporting around 200 staff.
