Grieve Gillett Architects was engaged by the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure as lead design consultant to manage a multi-disciplinary consultant team responsible for briefing, design, documentation and delivery of the new Rail Car Depot.

The new facility, on a 1500m long and 500m wide site provides mechanical servicing and maintenance, washing and cleaning, refuelling and stabling for the entire metropolitan rail car fleet. The site also includes the suburban rail system control centre and staff and drivers amenities buildings. 

Simple and utilitarian in form, the finesse of the architecture is delivered in careful consideration of the facility’s functionality, accessibility, transparency, lighting and general detailing.

ESD initiatives to promote energy efficiency include insulated translucent skylights and wall lights coupled with sensor controlled switching and dimming systems, substantially improving internal lighting and reducing artificial lighting loads. Storm water is harvested and treated before release into the adjacent wetland system, which in turn feeds the subterranean aquifer.