Wolverton Works online
Recording the history of the World's longest continually operating railway Works
Now on twitter @marshrail
Gemini Rail Services operates Wolverton Works which is owned by St Modwen the property developer. They have outline planning consent to demolish the Works and have to apply for detailed planning consent by November 2021 to enable the demolition to commence. As it stands, Gemini Rail Services are looking to remain in existing buildings such as the Lifting Shop, West repair and the former timber shop.
Welcome to Wolverton Works online. Site updated 24th December 2020.
Gemini is offering the LNWR 1902 built West Paint Shop for comercial use. It has had many uses in its history - what's next?
The Full Works is the official book published to commemorate the Works' 175th anniversary in September 2013. It is available from the author priced £6.50 including P&P from: P Marsh, 14 Milton Road, Willen Village, MK15 9AD.
War Memorial fund
Working with Dave Hilliard from Wolverton Works, Phil Marsh has donated £1000 from the anniversary book to the World War One War Memorial fund. Dave has raised several thousands of pounds working tirelessly towards the project completion.
This commemorates each of the 213 Wolverton Works men who gave their lives in this conflict. For some reason, the LNWR did not erect a War memorial to them. and we resolved to rectify this omission.
Dave Hilliard, supported by Knorr-Bremse, and Gemini Rail raised the required amount and the memorial (seen below was unveiled despite being actively blocked by St Modwen who do not respond to questions about the project.
Interested in the Royal Train? Visit; www.royaltrain.co.uk Visit the Milton Keynes Miniature Railway at Caldecotte Lake here - www.caldecotteminiaturerailway.co.uk
I am grateful to Gemini for hosting several recent visits into the Works which have now stopped due to Covid. The Wheelshop (a small part of the building) may be closing but this does bring a new business opportunity for companies. The 7 bay 1902 LNWR workshop is now available for leasing for rail or non-rail business. It contains 17 railway lines inked to the rest of the Works via a traverser. Covered space up to 100,000 square feet is available for leasing. There is also a car park, huge storage area, fully equipped workshop, HGV access and modern offices and staff facilities available. Contact Gemin if you have a commercial use for the building.
The latest chapter in the Works 182 year long history:
Knorr Bremse bought the rail vehicle renovation businesses at Wolverton and Springburn on 26th August 2013 from Railcare’s Administrators for £6.6million. The new company was named Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd registered at Companies House on 19 August 2013 with just one share issued. The venture was not a success with heavy losses sustained for 5 years before KB opted to leave the business at Wolverton
On 9th November 2018, KBRS was renamed Gemini Rail Services UK Ltd and the takeover legally completed. The KBRS Cessation certificate was lodged at Companies House on 31st October 2018 and five years of heavy losses for them ended. Gemini Rail Services was in business. There has been a downturn in business this winter and hopes of an upturn next year.
A selection of views in and off the huge 1902 building now available for leasing. The overhead crane equipped bays, the corrossion treatment unit, workshop, canteen and one of the office suites.
