Tube Lines, which is responsible for delivering improvements on the London Tube network, says its new Stratford Skills and Competence Centre, designed and built by Elliott Off-Site Building Solutions, far exceeded their initial expectations.

Steve Norris, who is Business Manager at the centre, said: "As soon as we moved into our new training centre we found it provided the perfect learning environment. We are delighted with the facility because it still feels as new as when we moved in, which is testament to the design input, careful choice of materials and quality of build from Elliott."

Tube Line's Stratford Skills Training Centre carries out training 24 hours a day, five days a week, with around 500 underground staff and its suppliers’ staff a week passing through its doors.

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Elliott Off-Site Building Solutions acted as concept design and Principal Contractor on the project. The company used modern methods of construction during the build, which enabled many elements to be pre-fabricated in its ISO9001 approved factory, minimising construction time on site and ensuring consistently high quality build.

Following completion, both the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) have expressed their commendations on the "non-simulation training environment, which is as close to what it is like around the underground network as it can get".

This real-life training environment was created by installing five sections of rail track, each fitted with points and signalling equipment, as well as a purpose built simulator signal control.

Incorporating this amount of track and signalling equipment into the design was possible because Elliott used a full steel portal frame with blockwork to the ground floor and timber wall panels to the first floor. This construction method enabled the creation of large open internal spans, allowing installation of the rail track and simulator.

Elliott's design also incorporated 15 classrooms, modular office accommodation constructed over three floors using factory engineered modules, canteen and changing areas, plus modular security gatehouse.

(CD/KMcA)