East Midlands Railway strengthens Lincoln presence with opening of Station House
East Midlands Railway (EMR), working alongside Transport UK, has officially opened Station House, a new purpose-built facility providing accommodation and working space for train crew and drivers based in Lincoln.
The opening marks a significant investment in EMR’s operations in the region, following a major expansion of staffing levels in 2021 linked to the launch of services on the Barton-on-Humber route. Since that point, staffing in Lincoln has grown by 52%, increasing demand for modern, dedicated facilities.
Station House has been designed with long-term use and sustainability at its core. The building can accommodate up to 150 colleagues and is currently used by 113 members of staff. It incorporates solar panels and energy-efficient systems throughout, supporting EMR’s wider environmental objectives.
Inside, the four-storey development provides a range of modern facilities, including changing rooms, secure storage, break-out spaces, meeting rooms, training suites and flexible work areas. EMR said the new layout improves connectivity and resources for staff while aligning with operational standards used elsewhere across the business.
The opening of Station House coincides with the introduction of EMR’s December timetable. Under the new schedule, services to and from Lincoln will gain around 2,000 extra seats on weekdays and more than 3,000 additional seats on Saturdays, alongside improved regional connectivity.
The building forms a key part of Lincoln’s Cornhill Gateway regeneration scheme, led by Lincolnshire Co-op. A former structure on the site was demolished to make way for the new development, which sits opposite the station and is intended to create a more welcoming gateway into the city for rail passengers. EMR has committed to the site through a 15-year lease, underlining its long-term presence in Lincolnshire.
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said:
"This fantastic, purpose-built building not only provides modern, high-quality spaces for our teams, but also frees up prime areas within Lincoln station for future customer improvements. This investment reflects our commitment to Lincoln and its local economy, as well as our ambition to upskill and retain talent across Lincolnshire. It’s great that our colleagues now have access to the modern facilities and training spaces they need, right in the heart of the city, undoubtedly delivering positive economic benefits to the surrounding area and local businesses.”
Lincoln driver Stephen Lewis said:
“I’m really looking forward to moving into the new train crew accommodation. It’s a big step forward for us at the depot, and the new digital displays and training facilities will make a real difference to how we work day to day. It’s great to see continued investment in both staff facilities and the future of the railway.”
Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, said:
“This is a great investment in Lincolnshire and shows East Midlands Railway’s commitment to the county. I will be working in the near future on how we take transport forward in Lincolnshire, and we are proud that EMR is a close partner in this endeavour.”
Sam Heathershaw, Development Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said:
“Completion of this new four-storey office building and the restoration of two adjacent retail units marks the culmination of a decade of regeneration within the Cornhill Quarter. From our first discussions in 2021, we saw the opportunity to create a landmark building for a respected organisation like East Midlands Railway, and we are delighted to welcome them as our tenant. We hope the facility serves railway staff well for many years to come.”
Image: East Midlands Railway