A new GBP 46.5 million maintenance depot has opened in Huddersfield, marking another major milestone in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). The 175-year-old Hillhouse Sidings has been completely transformed into a state-of-the-art facility designed to keep trains running reliably for passengers across the North of England.
Now known as Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot, the site will support the day-to-day operation of Northern’s fleet, with staff carrying out maintenance, repairs and cleaning—most of which will take place overnight to prepare trains for service the following morning.
The new depot operates 24 hours a day and includes five modern maintenance lines capable of accommodating up to 24 carriages. Engineers will initially focus on diesel trains on two of the lines, with a further three set to open in the coming years as electric and bi-mode trains are introduced under the wider TRU programme.
Boosting reliability for passengers
Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director at Northern, said:
“We’re delighted this depot is now open, following years of hard work and millions of pounds of investment.
It will play a vital role in ensuring services are in excellent condition and run smoothly for passengers along the upgraded Transpennine Route.”
Paul Sumner, Senior Sponsor for the TRU, added:
“The opening of Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot is another fantastic milestone for the TRU.
By transforming this site into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, we’re helping to ensure trains are kept in the best possible condition for passengers across the North.
This depot will not only support more reliable services today, but it’s also future-proofed for electric and bi-mode trains, making it a key part of building a greener, faster and more dependable railway for years to come.”
Supporting the Transpennine Route Upgrade
The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion-pound investment transforming the 76-mile railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. The project aims to deliver faster, more frequent and more reliable services across the North, while improving capacity and reducing carbon emissions through electrification.
As part of the wider works, Huddersfield station is also undergoing major redevelopment. Three of its platforms have now reopened following extensive rebuilding and extension works. The next phase of construction will continue behind a sectioned-off area until early 2027, completing the final platform, canopy and track improvements. Once finished, the station will be able to accommodate longer trains with greater capacity and improved passenger comfort.
Northern, the UK’s second-largest train operator, runs 2,650 daily services to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
Share on:
