BakerHicks, the multi-disciplinary design and engineering company, have been appointed to a new framework to deliver a range of upgrade works to the depot infrastructure that support the rail franchises of the Go-Ahead Group, a leading UK based transport provider.
The framework specifically relates to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the largest rail franchise in the UK in terms of passenger numbers, trains, revenue and staff, and the Southeastern Franchise, which the company has held since 2009. The scope of works will primarily comprise modification, maintenance and upgrade projects to support the Go-Ahead Group in delivering a first-class passenger experience.
BakerHicks have a long and successful track record in the rail industry and are currently engaged in the design of a new workshop facility for London Underground at their Acton Depot in West London, as well as the design of a new station at Stanford Le Hope in Essex.
They are also leading advocates of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM, which is commonly used to create a digital representation of a facility, can also be used in a similar role to digitally represent elements of the railway, as well as to manage assets that are already part of the rail infrastructure.
James Howles, director for Rail at BakerHicks, says:
“Responsibility for managing and maintaining railway infrastructure is increasingly shifting to the Train Operating Companies (TOCs), and it’s a key element of BakerHicks’ strategy to work more closely with forward-thinking companies like the Go-Ahead Group to create a better railway for the future.”
“Our proven track record, innovative use of BIM, and close partnership with Morgan Sindall are major strengths that add to our expertise as a multidisciplinary design and engineering company. It’s great to see this recognised in our appointment to this framework agreement.”
Go-Ahead’s rail operation is the busiest in the UK, responsible for around 30% of all train passenger journeys. Since their foundation in the 1980s, Go-Ahead have transformed from a small bus operator in north east England to an organisation providing more than a billion journeys each year on their UK bus and rail services.