Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has opened a new Crossrail train testing and commissioning facility in Derby.

The £12m development was built by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Bombardier Transportation. The project included the creation of a 250-metre long 'V' industrial building with four multi-functional train lines.

The facility will test and commission some 66 specialised trains that Bombardier is supplying for the Crossrail project in London.

In addition, the scheme also created office space in the form of a two-storey annex, as well as associated power upgrade works to the site to facilitate the overhead electricity lines.

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Mr McLoughlin said: "I am delighted to open this new testing and commissioning facility in Derby, which will ensure passengers benefit from cutting edge trains with improved capacity and comfort.

"The government is making a record investment in our railways and it is fantastic to see firms such as Bombardier, who are delivering a £1 billion contract for Crossrail as well as London Overground, make the most of the opportunities this brings."

Paul Weaver, Delivery Unit Managing Director for Balfour Beatty, added: "The facility will initially allow for testing of the new Crossrail trains, and subsequently support future train builds.

"The project built on our joint civils and building business expertise in creating this type of facility. It benefitted from the adoption of Level 2 BIM principles and at peak saw 90 construction workers employed."

(LM/JP)