Andrew recently met with senior executives from Siemens in Parliament for an update on the Goole Rail Factory and to also discuss exciting plans Siemens are considering for Goole in addition to the rail factory.
Siemens have been in discussions with the Government about the possibility of creating a new rail testing track in Goole as part of a new Rail Village that would not only test trains but also lead on the digitisation of the rail industry. This would be the first testing track in the UK and would sit on land near to the Goole Rail Factory.
Andrew reports, “This 5-mile plus rail testing track would be of national and possibly international value and would attract other investment related to the digitisation of rail. It would be an additional investment, bringing in hundreds of jobs, many of them very high-skilled, to the area.
“The project sits separately to the rail factory investment which could see planning permission submitted shortly and is progressing well. The Rail Village concept is at an early stage, but I wanted to share the idea with local residents. It would be incredible if we could also secure this on top.
“Siemens have told me that Goole is a great location. They are looking at one other potential site too, so we can't get too excited yet. However, I've promised to do all I can to work with them and the Government to secure the funding needed to make this happen.
“That is why getting Brexit sorted in a good way is also key to this. Whatever is done at Goole will involve moving parts and products across borders, so we need to get the new EU-UK trading relationship sorted as quickly as possible, allowing us to get on with progressing these projects! That's why again today (Monday 1st April) I will be voting for options that get us out, including those that involve a deal and access to the single market.”
PHOTO – Andrew also met with representatives of Siemens in Parliament last year to discuss the Goole rail factory.
