Network Rail Signs £7.2M Deal for Net-Zero Sheffield Depot

Network Rail awards HBC Construction a £7.2M contract for a net-zero Sheffield MDU, saving 850 tonnes of CO₂e and setting a greener railway standard.

Network Rail Signs £7.2M Deal for Net-Zero Sheffield Depot
January 23, 2026 2:39 pm
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • Network Rail has contracted HBC Construction to build a £7.2m net-zero maintenance depot in Sheffield.
  • The 15,000 sq ft facility is designed to save 850 tonnes of CO₂e over 20 years and achieve a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
  • The project establishes a replicable design for Network Rail’s ‘Greener Railway’ strategy, standardising low-carbon infrastructure amid wider rail investment in the north of England.

SHEFFIELD, UK – Network Rail has awarded HBC Construction a £7.2 million contract to design and build a net-zero carbon Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU) at its Blast Lane Depot in Sheffield. The project, part of a wider push for sustainable rail infrastructure, is scheduled for completion in 2027.

CategorySpecification / Detail
Project / ModelSheffield Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU)
Contract Value£7.2 million
Key StakeholdersNetwork Rail (Client), HBC Construction (Contractor)
Footprint / Size15,000 sq ft
Sustainability TargetNet-zero carbon (operational); 850 tonnes CO₂e saving over 20 years
Completion DateScheduled for 2027

Operational & Technical Details

The Sheffield MDU will be built using a modern timber-frame structure. Its design was secured through a two-stage procurement process, replicating the model used for HBC’s Barnetby MDU project. Pre-construction collaboration between HBC and Network Rail reduced the planned building footprint by over 25%. This optimisation cuts material requirements and enables greater use of off-site construction techniques.

Energy systems include a rooftop solar photovoltaic array, heat recovery ventilation, and smart lighting controls. The facility also targets a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain through pollinator-friendly landscaping. Over its first two decades, the building is projected to save 42.5 tonnes of CO₂e annually compared to a conventional build.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
For context on this project’s history, check out this earlier article.

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Market Impact Analysis

This project serves as a national blueprint for Network Rail’s ‘Greener Railway’ strategy, creating a standardised, cost-effective model for future low-carbon depots. By proving a repeatable design, Network Rail can accelerate decarbonisation across its property portfolio. The investment aligns with broader government commitments to upgrade northern infrastructure, including the multi-billion-pound Northern Powerhouse Rail initiative.

The selection of a timber-frame structure and focus on biodiversity positions Network Rail as a leader in sustainable building practices within the UK industrial sector. This approach provides a clear contrast to other major green-branded infrastructure projects that have faced scrutiny over carbon-intensive material supply chains.


FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this contract?

The contract is valued at £7.2 million.

When is the expected completion date?

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027.