Global Centre Of Rail Excellence In Wales - A New Test Circuit In UK

Starting in 2017, the Welsh Government is developing proposals for a rail testing complex with two electrified circuits for rolling stock and infrastructure testing. They will allow for testing trains at speeds of up to 110 mph (177 km/h) with the option for a tunnel section and a full platform environment for testing and training. Proposals include:
- a 4.5 km unique to Europe high tonnage rail infrastructure testing circuit,
- a 6.9 km rolling stock testing circuit,
- a large, well equipped maintenance facility,
- secure warm (powered) storage for around 400 vehicles,
- an R&D innovation accelerator,
- education centre with labs,
- office space and training facilities in a dynamic environment.

The Welsh Government wants to deliver a world class train testing facility in the UK and is confident this will be a significant attraction to investors and provide a vital service to UK and international train manufacturers, network operators, the wider industry and the supply chain. It had entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Neath Port Talbot and Powys local authorities and in partnership and had developed a site masterplan. Working with industry partners then has been developed a detailed business plan allowing to take the project forward. The Welsh Government is also seeking UK Government support.

The preferred site is located in Onllwyn and Nant Helen in the Dulais valley on the Neath Port Talbot and Powys border. The proposals were consulted from 2 July to 7 October 2019. Celtic Energy has submitted a complementary earthworks planning application local authorities. This is part of a restoration scheme for the site. This will allow the land to be adapted for many future uses including rail testing and storage.

The Welsh Government will discuss the business case submitted in early July 2020 with the UK Government. Wider engagement with industry partners and potential private sector investors continues. In late July 2020 Amey and Serco have joined calls for a new Global Centre of Rail Excellence in South West Wales at the soon to be decommissioned opencast mine at Nant Helen and the nearby coal washery site at Onllwyn. Powys County Council and Neath Port Talbot Council approved consent for the earthworks for the new rail testing facility. The focus has since shifted to central Government, which is currently examining the outline business case and request for financial support.

The Welsh Government will consult on the preferred proposals for a Global Centre of Rail Excellence. This will be before the end of summer 2020. Following feedback, it will finalise plans and submit a planning application. Costing around 150 million GBP, the envisaged end date of the project is 2023/2024.