Etches Park – 5 UFC & New Offices
The Etches Park Depot Enhancement Project involved the design and construction of a new 5-car Underframe Cleaning Facility (UFC) and associated office and welfare buildings for East Midlands Railway (EMR) in Derby. This project expanded the existing 2-car facility to accommodate 2, 3, and 5-car units, supporting multiple train classes including 15x, 170, 180, and 810 fleets. The works included the removal of obsolete structures, installation of modern infrastructure, and creation of energy-efficient, accessible office spaces, ensuring EMR’s maintenance operations remain efficient and compliant with future operational needs.
The scope included full design, construction, testing, and certification for
the 5-car UFC extension and new depot facilities at Etches Park. Spencer Rail Engineering acted as both Principal Contractor and Principal Designer under CDM regulations.
Key tasks included the removal of old boiler house fuel tanks, coolant mixing room, and existing office structures, followed by the construction of a new compressor housing and bunded IBC storage area. The existing 2-car UFC was extended to accommodate up to five-car units with new driver access platforms, emergency exits, heating, lighting, drainage, and fire systems that align with legislative standards.
A new two-storey building was also constructed, providing modern offices, locker rooms, toilets, showers, mess areas, and meeting rooms, designed for flexibility and accessibility.
All works were undertaken in compliance with EMR safety management systems, Network Rail standards, and environmental best practices. Disruption to existing depot operations, especially underframe cleaning activities, were minimised throughout the project duration.
Etches Park Depot now has a future-proofed underframe cleaning facility capable of servicing longer, modern rolling stock. The new 5-car UFC increases
maintenance throughput, reduces downtime, and maintains environmental
and operational compliance.
The upgraded UFC supports full 5-car units, with gas-fired AHUs, smart ventilation, and improved water and drainage systems ensuring an efficient,
compliant cleaning process.
New offices and welfare areas provide EMR staff with modern, comfortable, energy-efficient spaces. The site layout is now safer and more efficient, with
improved access, drainage, and facilities built to current standards.
The project delivered a sustainable, fit-for-purpose depot aligned with EMR’s operational needs and growth strategy. All works were coordinated around live operations with zero unplanned disruption.
