Topic Projects
Date 09 Jul 2026
Galliford Try has completed a refurbishment of the roof and maintenance facilities at Newton Heath Light Maintenance Depot in Manchester on behalf of Northern Network Rail.
Located on Dean Lane, the depot has supported rolling stock maintenance since the late 19th century and remains a vital operational hub for the current operator, Northern Railways Ltd. The works focused on Main Shed 3, the depot's principal maintenance facility, where train servicing takes place around the clock.
The project included the installation of a new, fully insulated, 4,200m² Kalzip roof overlay, replacement of redundant roof-mounted ventilation systems and the construction of a new internal steel portal frame to support a modern mobile ventilation system that will improve the working environment within the depot.
Given the depot's 24-hour operation, maintaining uninterrupted maintenance activities throughout construction was a key priority. To achieve this, the project was carefully phased into four quadrants, allowing Galliford Try's team to complete the works while minimising disruption to Northern Railways’ day-to-day operations.
Close collaboration between Galliford Try, Network Rail and Northern Railways ensured that interfaces were effectively managed throughout the programme, enabling construction and rail maintenance activities to progress safely and efficiently alongside one another.
The team will now install the ventilation system and associated mechanical and electrical works before final completion in 2027.
Darren Parker, Managing Director for Galliford Try Building North West, said: "Delivering complex refurbishment works within a live operational rail environment requires careful planning, collaboration and flexibility. I am extremely proud of our team's ability to work alongside Northern Railways to complete these improvements while maintaining the depot's critical maintenance operations.
"This project demonstrates our expertise in delivering challenging infrastructure upgrades safely and efficiently, providing a modernised facility that will continue to support Northern's operations for many years to come."