Full steam ahead: Doncaster leads the way in Rail investment and Skills

October is set to be a landmark month for Doncaster’s rail industry, with a series of major events and openings that showcase the city’s ongoing leadership in rail innovation, skills, and investment.

Kicking the month off with the prestigious Rail Forum Annual Conference at Doncaster Racecourse on 9 October; an event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers for a day of high-profile speaker sessions and focused workshops. The conference will explore the future of rail, digital transformation, and cross-sector learning, concluding with a networking drinks reception.  

Unipart Rail, a leading manufacturer and logistics provider, will officially open its new Doncaster facility at Trax Park on 17 October. This relocation strengthens Doncaster’s position as a hub for rail supply chain excellence, bringing new jobs, advanced manufacturing capabilities and investment to the region. The opening marks a significant investment in local skills and operational capacity.

Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR) celebrates the opening of its new bogie division facility in Warmsworth on 22 October. This move follows the closure of the historic Hexthorpe site and represents a £6.5 million investment to double capacity and enhance operational efficiency. The new site will support the UK rail sector with cutting-edge component manufacturing and assembly, reinforcing Doncaster’s reputation for rail engineering

The end of October celebrates the official opening of the new training facility for Network Rail on Carolina Way, near Lakeside. Formerly the National College for High Speed Rail, this state-of-the-art building will provide operational training, education, and development for up to 1,000 rail workers annually. The opening coincides with the 200th anniversary of the railway, and the public is invited to help name the facility, with options celebrating Doncaster’s rich rail heritage. This centre will be a cornerstone for skills development and apprenticeships, supporting Doncaster’s Education and Skills 2030 strategy.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster said: “October marks a defining moment for Doncaster’s rail sector, as we celebrate innovation, investment, and the incredible talent driving our city forward. These milestones reflect Doncaster’s proud rail heritage and its dynamic future as a national leader in rail engineering, skills, and supply chain excellence. We are proud to stand at the heart of the UK’s rail transformation.”

Doncaster continues to attract national attention and investment across the rail sector, ensuring its rail legacy remains strong for generations to come.