Bletchley West selected for new East West Rail maintenance depot

Bletchley West has been identified as the preferred site for a new Train Maintenance Depot that will support the operation of East West Rail services and is expected to generate more than 100 full-time jobs.

The proposed depot would be built alongside Whaddon Road, to the west of Bletchley and north of Newton Longville. The facility is intended to play a central role in maintaining the reliability and day-to-day performance of the railway by providing a dedicated base for train servicing and storage.

Train Maintenance Depots are a key part of railway infrastructure, carrying out essential work such as cleaning, inspections, repairs and overnight stabling. These activities are designed to ensure trains remain safe, dependable and comfortable for passengers.

Plans for the Bletchley West site include sidings capable of accommodating up to 20 five-car trains, each approximately 120 metres in length. A modern maintenance building is also proposed, allowing multiple trains to be worked on at the same time. Additional facilities would cover heavier maintenance activities, train washing, traction power supply, staff accommodation, parking and a secure gatehouse.

The location was selected following a detailed assessment of alternative sites and was judged to offer the best balance between operational effectiveness and limiting environmental impacts. Two potential design layouts are now being considered, both of which include landscaping measures to reduce visual impact and a commitment to delivering a 10 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain.

The confirmation of Bletchley West comes alongside the announcement of upcoming Design Update Sessions. These include two events in Bletchley, where residents and stakeholders will be able to view more detailed proposals for the depot and discuss the plans with the project team. Updated designs for a proposed eastern entrance at Bletchley station will also be available at these events.

Construction of the depot would begin once a Development Consent Order is approved and is expected to take around three years. Final proposals are due to be submitted in 2027, with a decision on approval anticipated in 2028, and measures are planned to minimise disruption during the build.

Image: East West Rail