Morson Praxis was appointed by Buckingham Group to provide a multi-disciplinary design solution for the construction of a new three-storey office building and storage facility at Network Rail’s Maintenance Delivery Unit in Doncaster. The project aimed to consolidate several outdated buildings into modern, sustainable, and highly functional spaces.
Network Rail required a purpose-built depot that would bring together skilled teams, improve operational efficiency, and support the long-term maintenance and development of the railway network. The facility needed to accommodate complex phasing and demolition works without disrupting ongoing operations at the site.
Work on the Marshgate site began in 2015, and by July 2020, Network Rail officially opened their new £14 million depot. The project consolidated several dilapidated buildings into two modern structures: a three-storey office and an adjacent storage facility.
A key challenge was implementing a phased demolition and construction strategy to maintain site operations while ensuring safety and efficiency. Waldeck worked closely with Buckingham Group and the wider supply chain throughout the project.
The new depot brings together skilled teams in a modern, sustainable facility.
Morson Praxis played a key role in the GRIP 5 (Governance for Railway Investment Projects) design work, providing a full multi-disciplinary design package, including: Architecture, Civil & Structural Engineering, Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Design and Principal Designer services.
During initial investigations, Waldeck procured and coordinated essential site surveys, including topographic, sub-scan, structural, and historic building surveys. Close collaboration with the client and supply chain ensured smooth integration of all design elements and successful delivery.
Our team delivered comprehensive design and project management support, ensuring that all aspects of the new depot met Network Rail’s stringent operational, safety, and sustainability requirements. By combining technical expertise with proactive coordination, Waldeck facilitated a seamless workflow across multiple disciplines and complex site conditions.
The completed depot has become a hub for nearly 600 skilled workers, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively on railway projects. The modern, sustainable facility supports Network Rail’s operational goals, boosts the local economy, and preserves Doncaster’s rich railway heritage.
Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said:
“As an industry, we have a lot to do as we support people returning to the railway after Covid-19. But we have a fantastic history in Doncaster as one of the archetypal railway towns and we have a fantastic history in the name of Mallard.
“I genuinely believe that with the quality of the people we have here and these new facilities to support them, we have a fantastic future as well.”
Rob McIntosh, Managing Director for Network Rail’s Eastern Region, said:
“It was important for us to develop this modern £14million depot in Doncaster to celebrate the strong railway history in the town.
“Doncaster is already home to the Flying Scotsman and the National College for High Speed Rail, and this state-of-the-art facility at Marshgate will enhance both the vital work that our teams are doing in the area and the future of the railway.
“It will bring workers from depots across the area together, so that they can work collaboratively to maintain and improve the railway in the region.”