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Hitachi wins HS2 contract
A CGI of the high-speed HS2 train which will be built in Newton Aycliffe .
Newton Aycliffe-based Hitachi Rail has secured a huge contract to make trains for HS2 .
HS2 confirmed that a Hitachi / Alstom joint venture has been awarded the contracts to build Britain ’ s next generation of high-speed trains at their factories in Newton Aycliffe and Derby respectively .
The landmark contracts – worth around £ 2 billion – will see the JV design , build and maintain a fleet of 54 state-of-the-art highspeed trains ( illustrated with the above CGI ) that will operate on HS2 – the new high-speed railway being built between London , the West Midlands and Crewe .
The first stages including vehicle body assembly and initial fit-out will be done at Hitachi Rail ’ s facility on Aycliffe Business Park .
The second stage of fit-out and testing will be done at Alstom ’ s Litchurch Lane factory in Derby .
Hitachi Rail CEO Andrew Barr said : “ We are excited to be pioneering the next generation of high-speed rail in the UK as part of our joint venture with Alstom .
“ This British-built bullet train will be the fastest in Europe , and I am proud of the role that Hitachi will play in helping to improve mobility in the UK through this project .”
Alstom ’ s UK and Ireland managing director Nick Crossfield said : “ HS2 is a once-in-ageneration opportunity to transform Britain by building a sustainable transport system fit for the 21st Century .
“ I am delighted that Alstom ’ s joint venture with Hitachi Rail has been selected to develop , build and maintain in Britain the next generation of high speed trains .”
Capable of speeds of up to 225mph ( 360km / h ), the fully electric trains will also run on the existing network to places such as Glasgow , Liverpool , Manchester and the North-West .
Building on the latest technology from the Japanese Shinkansen ‘ bullet train ’ and European high-speed network , they will be some of the fastest , quietest and most energy efficient high-speed trains operating anywhere in the world .
HOUSEBUILDER EXPANDS Newton Aycliffe-based housebuilder Homes by Carlton is on the expansion trail after enjoying its most successful year since returning to the market .
The award-winning housebuilder recently purchased two new sites in Whitton and Sadberge representing a combined development value of £ 17.5m . Construction is due to start in the coming months . Despite the impact of the pandemic and Covid restrictions there continued to be strong demand for properties at its three active sites in County Durham and Tees Valley .
GYM ’ S SIXTH CENTRE A strong relationship with business investors has helped a County Durhamheadquartered gym business open its latest fitness facility – and to start making plans for where it goes next .
OneGym has used a £ 300,000 investment from the North-East Growth Capital Fund , supported by The European Regional Development Fund via the Recovery Loan Scheme , to open a brand new fitness facility at Thinford Park near Spennymoor , close to the Durhamgate roundabout .
The new 24 / 7 gym is the sixth in the OneGym chain , sitting alongside branches in Newton Aycliffe , Bishop Auckland , Redcar , Thornaby and Stockton .
ROMAN SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITY THROUGH PANDEMIC
Newton Aycliffe shower enclosure manufacturer Roman visited a local charity it has supported through the pandemic .
Since 2005 , Roman has been making impactful grants through its fund with County Durham Community Foundation and to date the company has awarded £ 15,000 to support local projects that create opportunities for people who are disadvantaged by disability , poor mental health or financial inequalities . The team visited the Pioneering Care Partnership ( PCP ) to learn more about the day service , Options , after the company had awarded £ 3,590 to use on educational activities and day trips during May last year , two months after the first lockdown began .
Options is PCP ’ s longest running service , founded in 1998 for adults with learning and physical disabilities .
The service helps members grow in independence and make positive choices , teaches skills and helps friendships to flourish .
MD APPOINTED Sarah Slaven has been appointed as the permanent managing director of Business Durham , Durham County Council ’ s business support service , following a recruitment process . Sarah – an Aycliffe Business Park Community board member – previously held the post of operations director at Business Durham before taking on the position of interim MD in early 2020 .
See page 21 for our special feature with Sarah .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 13