To accommodate its growing number of staff, East Midlands Railway and Transport UK has opened new accommodation for its train crew and drivers based at Lincoln.

The new accommodation is in Station House, and has modern facilities including changing areas, storage, break spaces, meeting rooms, and training suites. Solar panels and energy-efficient systems will ensure the building is fit for the future and is sustainable. Currently, the building houses 113 staff members, but it has a capacity for up to 150.

East Midlands Railway has a 15-year lease on Station House, and its completion marks the end of a decade-long regeneration project. It will also accommodate the increase in staff brought about by the expansion of the region’s train services, such as the Barton-on-Humber route, which opened in 2021.

Station House is opposite Lincoln station and is a central part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s Cornhill Gateway project. After demolishing the original building, a contemporary four-storey building now provides a modern, purpose-designed space for staff.

The opening coincided with the introduction of East Midlands Railway’s new December timetable, where on services to Lincoln, there are now 2,000 more seats on weekdays, and over 3,000 extra on Saturdays.

Lincoln driver Stephen Lewis commented that he was really looking forward to moving into the new train crew accommodation. It’s a big step forward, and its new digital displays and training facilities will make a real difference.

“This fantastic, purpose-built building not only provides modern, high-quality spaces for our teams but also frees up prime areas within Lincoln station for future customer improvements. This investment reflects our commitment to Lincoln and its local economy, as well as our ambition to upskill and retain talent across Lincolnshire. It’s great that our colleagues now have access to the modern facilities and training spaces they need, right in the heart of the city, undoubtedly delivering positive economic benefits to the surrounding area and local businesses.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway