As Siemens' construction partner, VolkerFitzpatrick is designing, constructing and commissioning the two depots over the next three years at Hornsey in north London and Three Bridges near Crawley in West Sussex. The depots are being built simultaneously by two in-house specialist project teams.

The Three Bridges depot, which is split into east and west-side facilities either side of the London to Brighton mainline, comprises a five road, 12-car, maintenance building with associated stores, workshops and offices, eleven train stabling and servicing roads, two under-bridge widenings, two carriage washing machines, a wheel lathe and all associated depot infrastructure. This depot is due for completion in 2015.

The Hornsey depot, which is expected to be completed in 2016, is being constructed within a live operational rail environment adjacent to the East Coast mainline and the existing Hornsey depot. The project comprises the co-ordinated redevelopment of two separate areas of existing infrastructure, including the existing operational depot and the derelict sidings immediately to the north of the existing depot. The work involves the widening of two existing bridges, a new three road, 12-car, maintenance shed, two carriage washing machines, offices and all associated depot infrastructure. Alterations to the existing depot are being undertaken in close consultation with the train operating company to minimise disruption throughout the project.

Richard Offord, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick, said: "We are delighted to be working with Siemens on this flagship project. Our extensive experience in building state of the art rail maintenance depots, coupled with Siemens considerable experience in this area, makes for a dynamic and highly skilled integrated project team.

"The depots are being built with close regard to all stakeholders and communities, in a sustainable, safe and responsible manner. The sites are both registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme."

Ruth Humphrey, of Siemens, said: "VolkerFitzpatrick has been carefully selected for its competence and expertise in this area and has more than 90 years' experience in civil engineering in the UK. We are working closely with them, the train operator, Network Rail and the Department for Transport to finalise these facilities which will enable passengers on the Thameslink routes to benefit from new, comfortable and reliable trains."