Train preparation facility
To run the new West London Orbital service, we expect to need 11 new London Overground trains.
When these trains are not in service, they need to be stored, cleaned and prepared for the next day in a safe place.
Because there is no extra space in existing London Overground depots or sidings, a new site for train preparation is needed close to the WLO route.
What we look for in a preparation site
To help us chose a location for train preparation, we looked for sites close to the WLO route so trains could start and finish their journeys easily. The sites also needed:
- Enough space to hold all 11 trains
- Good track connections so trains can enter and leave the site safely and without causing delays
- Flexibility for other London Overground trains if needed in the future
We looked at a wide range of possible locations. Our assessment showed that only one site meets the requirements.
Our Preferred site: Willesden South West Sidings
Click on map for larger version Based on our assessment of options, Willesden South West Sidings, in the Old Oak Common area, is our preferred site for storing and preparing the WLO trains when not in service.
The site could also work in combination with the existing London Overground preparation facility at Wembley, depending on how trains are organised across the network.
About the site today:
- It’s an existing railway site that’s currently disused
- It’s owned by Network Rail and leased to a rail freight company
- The layout and location make it suitable for storing and preparing the WLO fleet once it is upgraded
How this fits with local development plans
The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is leading a major regeneration programme in the area. Its Old Oak Masterplan aims to transform Old Oak over the coming years. OPDC has included Willesden South West sidings as a potential development site and we are working with them to ensure that both proposals will work together.
