The 100-year-old Metro depot at Gosforth will be demolished to make way for the new £70m rebuild on the same site.

Thompsons of Prudhoe, a North-East contractor have been appointed by VolkerFitzpatrick who were commission by Stadler to build the new depot.

The new Tyne & Wear Metro fleet will be homed in the new depot after Swiss train builder Stadler was awarded a 35-year service and maintenance contract.

Stadler took over the Gosforth depot in October last year.

A temporary maintenance depot has been built at Howdon while the facility at Gosforth is rebuilt.

Metro Development Director, Neil Blagburn, said: “The programme to deliver of our new train fleet and Metro depot is delivering a much-needed boost to local businesses in North East England in difficult times. It’s a hugely exciting moment as we see more local firms joining the supply chain on this huge programme that is going to transform the Tyne and Wear Metro.”

“When Stadler won the contract to design, build and maintain our new fleet they gave a commitment to put in place new supply chains here in the region. We are now seeing this become a reality.

“My congratulations to all of the local firms who have secured work as part of the Fleet Replacement Programme and we look forward to working with them.”

Rob Baxter, managing director for Stadler Rail Service UK, said: “We will do everything we can to ensure that regional businesses and institutions capitalise on this exciting, long-term project, which over the next couple of years, will see us supply state-of-the-art trains for the region. The appointment of Thompsons of Prudhoe and other regional firms is testament to our commitment to localism.”

Nick Shilling, managing director of Thompsons of Prudhoe, added: “We are delighted to be involved in the delivery of this north east project. We look forward to providing removal and demolition services in 2021 and 2022. The new depot and state-of-the-art trains will be a real benefit to the region, and it is pleasure to be part of it.”

Marcus Dench, senior project manager, said: “VolkerFitzpatrick is looking forward to constructing the new depot for Stadler, and working with its new supply chain, to develop long-term relationships, whilst also helping the economy in the north east of England.”

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