Construction work to upgrade the train depot at Ilford Yard got underway with an event at the site, which is located between Ilford and Seven Kings stations.

The event was attended by Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge, Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South, and Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director.

Work, with a value in the region of £50m, will now take place to create ten new sidings for Crossrail trains and a new building for train drivers and other staff at the existing Ilford Depot. Work is expected to be completed by 2016, and the existing section of the depot will remain operational throughout the works.

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Crossrail rolling stock will be stabled at Old Oak Common Depot, Ilford Depot, Gidea Park, Plumstead, Maidenhead and Shenfield. Ilford Yard will be used to stable up to 12 trains.

The upgraded depot will not only be vital for Crossrail's operation but will also create job opportunities during construction and up to 90 jobs once the improvements have been completed. Crossrail is working with Redbridge Council and JobCentre Plus to ensure that local people have access to vacancies that arise.

Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director, said: "It's great to get work underway at Ilford Yard, which will have a vital role to play in the smooth running of Crossrail services.

"Crossrail will provide a step change in public transport for people in Redbridge. When the new services begin, brand new trains will take passengers right through the centre of the capital, reducing journey times and making it quicker and easier for them to get to a whole range of destinations across London and the South East."

(CD/JP)