Porterbrook is investing in the Long Marston testing centre in Warwickshire, England. The leasing and asset management company has been the operator of the site since 2021. Last month, they liked it so much they bought it. This month, as part of a significant development programme, Porterbrook has announced that the centre’s 3.5km proving track will be electrified.

Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre, to state its name in full, is being electrified as part of a wide-ranging investment programme by its new owners, Porterbrook. Once completed at the end of 2025, the upgrade will take Porterbrook’s total investment in the centre to over 75 million pounds (88 million euros) over four years.

Trials, testing and engineering development

Porterbrook is probably best known as a rolling stock leasing company. They have most of the UK railway operating companies as customers. Long Marston is probably best known as the venue of an annual rail industry gathering. However, Porterbrook has a much wider portfolio in engineering and asset management, and Long Marston is much more important for filling the rest of the year with revenue-earning trials, testing and engineering development.

It is hardly surprising, then, that having secured the purchase of the Long Marston, Porterbrook has prioritised plans to renew and electrify the 3.5km proving track, the centre’s principal asset. “With the future of Long Marston now confirmed, we’ve wasted no time”, said Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook. “[We’re] starting the next phase of the site improvements to reinforce our commitment to being a long-term partner for the rail industry”.

Substantial replacement needed over next decade

The 135-acre (55-hectare) centre has already seen a significant improvement in ancillary services. It still pays respect to its heritage, but it now less resembles the former Royal Engineers’ WWII supply depot from which it grew. Made-up roads around the site will perhaps be the most appreciated by the several thousand visitors to that annual trade show.

Porterbrook, of course, has an eye on the return from their investment. “Substantial replacement of life-expired vehicles is needed over the next decade”, explained Mary Grant. “The track upgrades mean that we can deliver the best level of service with our manufacturing partners to provide a full turnkey solution for new rolling stock entering service.”

Absolute clarity for wider rail industry

Trains will be able to test at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80kph). Porterbrook says that it will also be able to support the new European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling. They say the track will still have compatibility with other forms of traction including hydrogen, battery and diesel.

“This deal provides absolute clarity for our business, our shareholders and the wider rail industry over the long-term future of Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre” added Mary Grant. “It gives us the certainty to move forward with our plans and invest further to deliver an exceptional facility for testing, training, maintenance and storage for the railway.”