04.03.2026
Morson Praxis is proud to have supported the delivery of the Barnetby Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU) for Network Rail, a project recently shortlisted at the Rail Business Awards in the Sustainability & Environmental Excellence category.
Working alongside M&E contractor Platinum Services Ltd, and in support of the principal contractor, we are delighted to have contributed to the first Maintenance Delivery Unit of its kind in the UK — a pioneering scheme setting the benchmark for future developments nationwide.
Project Overview
The scheme comprises:
- A single-storey workshop facility
- A two-storey accommodation building
As the first MDU delivered under this new model, the project establishes a template for future Network Rail facilities, with further phases already in development. Morson Praxis is proud to be helping pioneer the next generation of these units.
Our Role & Technical Delivery
Morson Praxis was appointed to develop the scheme to RIBA Stage 4c, delivering a fully compliant and coordinated design aligned with CIBSE standards and Network Rail guidance.
Our scope included:
- Full mechanical and electrical design coordination
- Integrated BIM development
- Compliance assurance
- Sustainable systems integration
The accommodation building features a mixed ceiling environment — combining exposed soffits and grid ceilings — creating a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Innovative HVAC ductwork routing, coordinated electrical containment, and the strategic use of acoustic rafts helped deliver a modern, high-quality office atmosphere.
Our engineering and BIM teams produced a millimetre-perfect Revit model, enabling off-site timber framing to be fabricated accurately and efficiently ahead of site commencement — driving programme certainty and quality assurance.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability was central to the design strategy:
- 100+ photovoltaic panels installed on the workshop roof
- Achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A
- 20 EV charging points installed across the site
The integration of renewable energy generation and electric vehicle infrastructure supports Network Rail’s wider decarbonisation ambitions and reinforces the project’s recognition in the sustainability awards category.
Construction & Handover
Following Stage 4c delivery, we provided RIBA Stage 5 construction support, applying our in-depth knowledge of the coordinated design to assist on-site delivery.
We are now nearing completion of RIBA Stage 6 as-built duties, supporting final handover to Network Rail.
Project Team
- Fatou Chang – Mechanical Engineer
- Nick Murdoch – Electrical Engineer
- Oliver James – BIM Lead
This project represents a significant milestone — not only as a first-of-its-kind Maintenance Delivery Unit, but as a model for sustainable rail infrastructure moving forward.
We congratulate all parties involved on the award shortlisting and look forward to continuing our support on future phases of the programme.
