Crossrail has started construction work to enlarge a train depot at Ilford Yard, in London, that will be used to stable up to 12 trains.
Work under the renovation will include creation of 10 new sidings for Crossrail trains and construction of a new building for train drivers and other staff at the existing depot located between Ilford and Seven Kings stations.
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Crossrail awarded the £50m C828 Ilford Yard contract to VolkerFitzpatrick in May 2013.
Crossrail will stable its rolling stock at Old Oak Common Depot, Ilford Depot, Gidea Park, Plumstead, Maidenhead and Shenfield.
During renovation, the existing section of the depot will remain operational.
Crossrail surface director Matthew White said: "When the new services begin, brand new trains will take passengers right through the centre of the capital, reducing journey times and making it quicker and easier for them to get to a whole range of destinations across London and the South East."
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By GlobalDataIn addition to several new jobs during construction, about 90 new jobs are expected to be created after the completion of improvements.
Crossrail will work in association with Redbridge Council and JobCentre Plus to provide job opportunities for local people.
Redbridge council leader Keith Prince said: "Crossrail will be a huge catalyst to development and investment in Redbridge and we are delighted that the construction works have now begun at Ilford Yard.
"Together with the Crossrail services that will operate from Ilford, Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath, the jobs, skills and other economic benefits locally will be considerable."
The overhaul is expected to be completed by 2016.
Image: Officials at the ground breaking event. Photo: courtesy of Crossrail.
