Chesterfield in final two locations for potential Talgo Factory
Chesterfield has today been named as one of two locations still in the running for a new UK factory planned by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo.
If the borough’s bid is successful the former Hartington Colliery site, between Staveley and Barrow Hill, would become home to a factory which would create 1,000 high quality jobs.
The manufacturing site would also create an estimated 4,000 jobs in the supply chain for the region, as well as apprenticeship, training and educational opportunities.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Today’s announcement by Talgo means we are getting ever closer to achieving this once in a generation opportunity for the people of Chesterfield.
“A new factory on this scale would provide a massive boost to our economy particularly in terms of job opportunities for local people.
“Talgo’s commitment to a ‘true manufacturing’ approach would also generate openings for local businesses to supply components as part of the supply chain, which would help create more jobs and increase the positive impact on our economy.
“Chesterfield Borough Council will now set about working with its partners to submit further information to Talgo over the next week and we will continue to make the strongest possible case for Talgo’s UK factory to be located in Chesterfield borough.”
Chesterfield’s bid highlights:
• That remediation work is already underway to prepare the former Hartington Colliery site for development
• Chesterfield’s location at the heart of both the existing rail network and the planned phase 2B of the HS2 rail network, which will see Chesterfield have an HS2 station and also an HS2 line maintenance depot at Staveley
• Chesterfield’s excellent transport connectivity, with over 23 million people living within two hours’ drive, and four major airports and four sea ports within 90 minutes travel time
• That an investment would create further regeneration and development opportunities related to HS2, as well as support the existing Staveley Works corridor development plans for 1,000 new homes, a new primary school and £50 million access road
• The ability to offer Talgo access to the area’s world class rail supply chain and a highly skilled workforce
• The strength of partnership working in the area involving the landowners, Derbyshire County Council, the universities of Derby and Newcastle, Chesterfield College, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.
Carlos de Palacio – President of Talgo, said:
‘The establishment of a manufacturing facility in the UK is a significant part of Talgo’s future strategy.
“Talgo’s aim is to establish true manufacturing – rather than assembling from parts made elsewhere. This means that we will draw from materials and expertise across the UK.
“This keeps more money in the UK economy, and creates more skilled long-term jobs.
“Talgo also wants to develop a UK testing centre, and acceptance ability, to ensure a smooth and faultless introduction of new trains into service. We are excited about the opportunity that Wales has taken for testing – for the benefit of the UK – and we want to work with the Wales team on some aspects of this.
“Although there can only be one factory site, we have established lasting relationships with all of the countries, regions and areas that we have visited. We are now developing those relationships, to ensure that – irrespective of the factory location – Talgo provides great opportunities across the UK.
“Talgo is renowned for innovation. We want to encourage innovation, drawing on skills from all parts of the UK. We will shortly make a further announcement regarding our plans.”
If successful, building work would start in July 2020, ready for the train factory to open in December 2021.
A new £9 million innovation and training centre is also planned to be built at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for Talgo to use and showcase its technologies.
