HBC Construction has been appointed by Network Rail to design and build a new £7.2 million Maintenance Delivery Unit at the Blast Lane Depot in Sheffield, marking the contractor’s second MDU project for the infrastructure owner.
Procured through a two-stage tender, the 15,000 sq ft scheme builds on the approach adopted at the ongoing Barnetby MDU in North Lincolnshire. The new facility has been designed to align with Network Rail’s ‘Greener Railway’ strategy and will operate at net zero carbon, while achieving at least 10 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain.
Part-funded through Network Rail’s Green Bank, the project incorporates a range of low-carbon measures. These include heat recovery ventilation, smart lighting and controls, an expanded rooftop solar PV array, enhanced building fabric performance and efficient water management systems.
The timber-frame structure is central to the sustainability strategy, offering carbon sequestration benefits and supporting off-site construction to reduce waste. The structural grid has been standardised and the building footprint reduced by more than 25 per cent, cutting material use, costs and operational energy demand while improving internal functionality.
Internally, spaces have been reconfigured to support efficient working and future flexibility. Externally, landscaping will include pollinator-friendly planting and habitat enhancements to strengthen environmental resilience and create a healthier setting for staff.
Over its first 20 years, the Sheffield MDU is forecast to save around 850 tonnes of CO₂e compared with a traditional design, equivalent to 42.5 tonnes per year.
Lee Powell, Managing Director at HBC Construction, said the project demonstrates the value of early contractor involvement and collaborative design. He described the scheme as a benchmark for sustainable timber-frame delivery in Yorkshire and beyond.
Chris Round, Senior Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Eastern Routes Capital Programmes, said the facility will provide high-quality accommodation for frontline staff while delivering long-term environmental benefits for the North and East Route.
Works are due to start next month, with completion scheduled for 2027.
