Completed in time for the Jubilee weekend, the first two stages of the project included the continued demolition of the train stabling sheds to the west of the depot and the main depot buildings, and construction of the new depot buildings, as well as the removal and renewal of six train stabling lines.

Phase three, which will run until October 2022, will include more of the old depot building, which dates back to 1923, being demolished, and three additional roads will be competed.

The work has been configured to ensure the current Metro fleet can continue operating from the depot.

Michael Steiner, programme director, Newcastle from Stadler, commented: “With the first new train set to arrive in Newcastle at the end of the year, work is well under way to build a modern, fit-for-purpose, technologically sophisticated facility, with a focus on sustainability. It has been future-proofed to enable it to function effectively for the duration of Stadler’s 35-year contract, which sees us prioritise local people, local goods and local services. We’re delighted to have reached another significant point in the work, and thank our partners, Nexus and VolkerFitzpatrick for their continued collaboration with us.”

Michael Richardson, Head of fleet and depot replacement programme for Nexus, said: “We are delighted at the progress that being made on our new £70m Gosforth depot, which will be a modern new home for the new Metro trains.

“The second phase of the depot project has been completed, with more of the new tracks laid and the new buildings almost ready to be start being fitted out. These newly laid tracks are vital so that trains can access the new depot.

“In a few weeks’ time we will start to see more of the old depot building pulled down as we continue the transition to these modern new facilities – which herald the start of a bright future for the Tyne and Wear Metro.

“Stadler and VolkerFitzpatrick are delivering these historic projects on behalf of Nexus, and it is going really well. The new depot will be a more sustainable, environmentally friendly facility, which is fit for the 21st century.”

The new depot will comprise inspection roads and pits, cranes, jacks, test facilities and a wheel-lathe. Other features include a wash-plant to clean train exteriors and other dedicated areas for both daily and periodic deep-cleaning. The outside area is being adapted to optimise train movements, while keeping noise to a minimum for the benefit of local residents.

The new facility, covering 12 acres and located in the suburbs of Newcastle, has been designed to ensure maximum availability and reliability of the fleet for decades to come. It will vastly improve the working environment and become home to a wide range of activities, including preventative and corrective maintenance, overhauls and train presentation. There will be storage for spare parts and material supplies, and office space for training and support functions.