Maintenance Delivery Units

Remodelling and Refurbishment of Maintenance Facilities to Deliver a Safe and Reliable Railway Infrastructure

An aerial view of a modern Network Rail building with multiple stories, glass windows, and a parking lot in the foreground, under a partly cloudy sky.
A safety poster on a wall depicting a worker in red safety gear holding a sign that reads 'Safety first' in English and Welsh. To the right are safety icons related to electrical safety, tools, fire safety, and health precautions. The poster includes
Empty conference room with a large white table, black chairs, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and a glass wall with green writing.
Empty conference room with white rectangular table, black chairs, a large wall-mounted screen, and a glass wall with green and blue graphics.

Maintenance Delivery Units (MDUs) serve as essential hubs for the upkeep and reliability of the railway network. Each MDU is purpose-designed to meet the specific needs of its location and operational requirements.

Baglan MDU
At Baglan, Andrew Scott Ltd worked collaboratively with Network Rail’s IT, design delivery, and maintenance teams to consolidate three existing MDUs and approximately 220 staff into a single, enhanced facility spanning around 9,000m².
The project involved a complete remodelling and refurbishment of the existing three-storey building to create a dynamic and functional working environment. Key elements included:

  • A new reception area

  • A large stores area featuring a new scanning system

  • Loading and delivery zones

  • Offices with hot desk and breakout areas

  • Printing facilities

  • Six meeting rooms

  • Modern changing rooms and workshops

In addition, an occupational health facility was developed on the second floor, enabling Network Rail to provide medical, counselling, and other health services directly to their workforce.

Sustainability was integral to the project, with key features including photovoltaic panels, tinted glazing, secure cycle storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points for both staff and fleet vehicles.

Through these transformative projects, Andrew Scott Ltd has supported Network Rail’s commitment to delivering safer, more efficient, and more sustainable railway maintenance infrastructure.

Industrial building with parking lot and multiple parked cars
A cafeteria with multiple long wooden tables surrounded by colorful chairs in shades of orange, blue, and green. The space has a white interior with a kitchenette area and digital screens on the wall.
Empty conference room with white table, black chairs, wall-mounted screen, conference call equipment, and clear glass wall with wooden door.
Modern office kitchen and break area with white walls, ceiling, and furniture, including rounds tables, chairs, and a kitchenette with appliances and a wall-mounted TV.
Modern building with large glass entrance and parking area with cars.
Empty modern conference room with a long white table, black and yellow chairs, a large TV screen, and windows showing parked cars outside.

Newport MDU
The Newport project involved the construction of a new two-storey office and distribution facility, alongside the demolition of existing structures. The new MDU provides modern office spaces, meeting rooms, and extensive welfare facilities, including a large mess room, toilets, and changing/drying areas. Increased car parking capacity was also delivered.

The facility incorporates sustainable design principles, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and operational costs through the use of modern construction materials, energy-efficient technologies, and on-site renewable energy generation.

It’s fantastic to see the new Network Rail MDU facility opened. This facility is a welcome upgrade for our maintenance colleagues which will encourage collaboration and wellbeing. We have been able to work closely with Andrew Scott again and finally, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for playing their part in this project.

Theo Smith - Lead Portfolio Manager, Network Rail