Network Rail - Carlisle Maintenance Delivery Unit

Carlisle Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU) | The first of a new generation of trackside worker base facilities.

Network Rail were developing a new generation of base facilities for trackside workers to use, and required them to challenge the pre-set notion of what a maintenance facility should look like and how it should perform. In keeping with their office and training facilities, it was important that the environment inspired productivity, while feeling contemporary and comfortable to the staff using it on a daily basis. While job performance was a key factor, Network Rail were also keen that their working environments helped meet their aim of attracting and retaining the best people, and maintained the “wow” factor and experience synonymous with Network Rail’s new Nationwide DNA Guidelines.

This was an excellent opportunity to bring together two previously distinct worlds; the trackside workers and the back of office administrators. It was integral that the pervasive “them and us” culture of the business at the time was eradicated, and this would be achieved through the blending of Network Rails DNA Guidelines, and Squaredot’s analysis driven, creative and intelligent designs. 

A practical yet branded environment that defeated the “us vs them” relationship between different types of staff was vital, and this included the physical experience that comes with the Network Rail brand which office-based and trackside employees share. Due to their distinct roles, trackside and office based staff have a need for different environments and facilities, for example trackside staff would need accommodations following messy work in extreme weather conditions, but a shared common set of principles and values should underline facilities and surroundings that everyone can enjoy. A consistent approach and delivery of these buildings ensured this, and everything involved in the designs, from aesthetic to fixtures and fittings, has left all employees feeling equally valued.