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Jointly with Siemens Rail and the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering, Arup has played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the UK’s new National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR).
The academy will act as a national ‘hub’ with accredited regional ‘spokes’ located at other train maintenance facilities around the country. The bespoke facility is located adjacent the Siemen’s train care depot and uses a combination of unique hands-on equipment and workshop facilities. It also includes classroom-based teaching using cutting-edge technology to offer 20,000 man days of training per year.
The academy was constructed within an existing Siemens Rail operational and maintenance facility. A phased, coordinated delivery strategy ensured that the existing function could continue day-to-day operation without disruption throughout the construction period. The project was enrolled onto the Considerate Contractors Scheme and was recognised as achieving ‘performance beyond compliance’.
We provided a project management-led full multi-disciplinary design, engineering, planning and cost team to present a one-stop-shop solution. The new single steel-framed rectangular building has a footprint of 1,222m2 and the design has maximised natural light and visual impact of the building within the limited footprint available.
The academy opened for business, as planned, in October 2015. Initial feedback from the users and visitors of the academy is that it meets the original brief of delivering a flagship facility which provides a high quality, functional and efficient space in which to deliver training in the maintenance of traction and rolling stock.
“Our ambition is to focus on transforming training in traction and rolling stock through providing a fantastic learning environment, delivering innovation and helping to transform the perception of our industry to one where the breadth of technology and career opportunities are understood and developed. ”
Innovation
Arup adopted a 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach to design development to allow end users the ability to experience the spacial arrangements prior to construction. External aesthetic was an important consideration and we introduced a novel selection of cladding systems to permit both improved daylighting and an ability to up-light during evening periods.
Throughout the development of the design and procurement process, Arup applied collaborative principles. Early engagement of the design and build contractor (building partner) enabled the design objectives to be tested for constructability and refined prior to construction.
Collaboration
With a range of services being provided from within Arup, we adopted BS11000 collaborative principles throughout the project. Collaboration workshops with internal and external stakeholders through the project delivery ensured alignment of overall objectives, resulting in a successful project for all parties.
