The main contractor has been appointed for a £15m construction project that will see extra buildings erected to service an expanding fleet of trains across Northern Ireland.

John Graham (Dromore) Ltd is to enjoy a modest boost as its staff get to work on the new centre which is to be used for the maintenance and cleaning of a series of new trains being purchased by Translink.

The facility will be at the NI Railways Adelaide Depot, in south Belfast's Falcon Road.

Transport holding company, Translink proposes to construct a new 'fit for purpose' train maintenance, cleaning, stabling and operations facility as part of its innovative, 'New Trains Two Programme'.

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The website, unearthore.com said this also involves the acquisition of 20 new diesel multiple units - trains that are expected to be commissioned during 2011 and 2012.

Translink said that, to facilitate the commissioning of the new trains it is essential that the stabling elements of the project be completed soon.

In a boost for the local construction sector, the main construction work is expected to commence on site on 4th April for a contract period estimated at 18 months. The value of the scheme is in the region of £15m.

Stores and offices, a call centre/staff training facility, storage of railway materials and plant parking, fuel tanks and sand silo and associated siteworks are included in the plans.

The architects, White Ink and the consulting engineer, Connell Mott MacDonald will be working with main contractor.

(BMcC/GK)