Public body, Nexus who own and operate Tyne and Wear Metro has revealed that the impressive multi-million-pound signalling control suite at Gosforth Metro depot has now opened.

The suite will see Metro signalling fully controlled via the depot and comes ahead of the delivery of its new fleet of 46 Stadler Class 555 Metro trains which aim to be brought into phased service during 2025.

At present, three Class 555 trains have been delivered by Stadler with more set to arrive later in 2024.

The trains have been specially designed for Metro using customers’ feedback following a large-scale consultation and will include features such as linear seating, charging points and air conditioning.

The trains also mark a step-change in accessibility with a new automatic sliding step on each door which will allow ease of boarding supporting Metro’s 50,000 wheelchair passengers, alongside those travelling with buggies, luggage and bikes.

Prior to entering service, the new trains will see thorough testing in order to make sure that they interface correctly with Metro’s signalling systems and infrastructure. This process will also see drivers fully trained and familiarised with the Class 555’s control systems.

The new control facility was built by Stadler, who manage Metro’s train operations from the depot and out and about on the mainline.

The suite replaces an out-of-date control room which was located at Gosforth Metro depot and housed technology dating back to the 1980s.

Marking major progress in Tyne and Wear Metro’s technological transformation, the new facility has been cleverly located on the first floor to provide extensive and elevated views of the site for controllers, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows alongside the very latest in digital rail signalling systems whilst providing a modern and clean working environment for employees.

Stadler carried out the project to create a new control suite over the weekend of the 24th and 25th of June which led to some closures on the Metro in order to make the move. The work completed will now allow the final stage of demolition of the old building at Gosforth Depot.

Major Project Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said:“It’s fantastic to see the team at Gosforth depot move into this modern new control suite, which is another step forward on our journey towards bringing the first new Metro trains into service.”

“The digital systems are a big leap forward in how train movements in and out of Gosforth depot are managed. The quality of the facilities for the staff is vastly better than our old depot building, so will undoubtedly transform people’s jobs.”

“This move paves the way for the final phase of demolition work at the old depot. The depot controllers are the last ones to be moved out of the old building, but when you see the facility that they are going into then it really does look like it has been well worth the wait.”

“The new Metro depot has been a £70m investment which ensures that we have a modern home for the new Stadler train fleet, and we really can’t wait to see the first ones in full service once testing and driver training has been completed.