Demolition Completed at Chart Leacon to allow for New Network Rail Facility.

Plans are in place for the construction of new structures and a new train maintenance facility at Chart Leacon in Kent. The Secretary of State granted an order in March to ensure work continues on the new facility, which closed in 2014 and has lain empty since then.

Demolition of the site, which opened in 1961 when electric trains began running to Ashford, was completed in December to make room for five new railway sidings, where trains can be stored and undergo light maintenance.

Bosses say this will allow for the creation of 50 new jobs alongside numerous other indirect jobs associated with activities on the site.

Speaking ahead of the demolition, Network Rail Southern region’s investment director Paul Harwood said: “Although it may seem strange to be talking about improving the capacity of the railway during Covid, we know the passenger numbers will grow again and this is a great opportunity for us to build for the future.

“Before Covid we were running more trains than ever before and one of the aspects we are really short of in Kent and south east London is places to keep them and look after them when they’re not running.

“By purchasing the whole site at Chart Leacon, as well as building five new sidings, we’re not only helping run a more reliable railway for today, but safeguarding the site for future railway use.”

Along with the sidings to store trains, Network Rail is also building offices and other facilities for staff.

Land Referencing Services

LRS assisted with the project, which includes development of a light maintenance depot including the demolition of existing structures and the provision of a two storey 500sq.m workers accommodation block. This is as well as 36 parking spaces and associated works for the movement in, and stabling of, railway rolling stock and associated equipment at the former Bombardier Works site, Chart Leacon.

When the new sidings open, Southeastern trains displaced from the town's Hitachi depot as a result of the £7 billion Thameslink programme are set to be housed at the new stabling yard.

The first stage of the project is set to be completed in 2023.

       Network Rail Southern region’s investment director Paul Harwood, said:

 “Although it may seem strange to be talking about improving the capacity of the railway during Covid, we know the passenger numbers will grow again and this is a great opportunity for us to build for the future.

“By purchasing the whole site at Chart Leacon, as well as building five new sidings, we’re not only helping run a more reliable railway for today, but safeguarding the site for future railway use.”