LONG awaited renovation plans for Severn Valley Railway’s diesel locomotive maintenance depot are being turned into reality.

Construction contracts have been signed with the contractor for the creation of a new depot to provide undercover storage and maintenance facilities.

The building work will help the railway preserve its fleet of heritage diesel locomotives, many of which are now more than 50 years old.

Maintenance of the diesel rolling stock was previously completed – in all weather – outside, including rain and on occasion snow, but now work will be able to be done undercover.

Nick Ralls, general manager, said: “This is a vital improvement to our infrastructure, and recognition of the importance of preserving heritage diesel locomotives as well as our extensive fleet of steam locomotives.”

The development, which is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2015, will provide about 1,000 sq m of covered accommodation and will consist of two locomotive inspection pits, lifting jacks and a 10 tonne overhead travelling crane.

Jonathan Dunster, chairman of the Diesel Committee – which is heading up the project, said: “The railway is home to around 20 diesel locomotives and the new depot provides us with a quality location to maintain and run them.

“It’s a huge step forward.”

The depot, which has been a key part of the railway’s plans for developing the Kidderminster Yard, sits next to the carriage shed, just south of Kidderminster Station.