TfW Station & Depot Transfer - Asset Management

Project Outline

In March 2020, the Core Valley Lines were successfully transferred from Network Rail (NR) to Transport for Wales (TfW). Building on this, TfW proposed a similar transfer process for up to 193 stations and five depots under a long-term lease arrangement. To facilitate this, a comprehensive business case process was required, consisting of a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC), an Outline Business Case (OBC), and a Full Business Case (FBC). Approval for each stage would involve key stakeholders, including the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail, and TfW.

Following the Core Valley Lines transfer and with the significantly larger scope, TfW identified the need for enhanced due diligence to ensure a more thorough and robust process. This was essential given the increased number of facilities involved. The structured business case process aimed to address these concerns while managing stakeholder expectations.

Key Information

Project	Transport for Wales (TfW) Station & Depot Transfer
Client	Transport for Wales, Network Rail (NR)
Services	Asset Management, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Contract Management, Commercial Management
Duration	October 2023 – January 2024

Our Service

Mercury3 Consult was engaged to support CPCS Transcom in developing the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC), after a successful tendering process. This work was commissioned and funded by TfW.

Drawing on Mercury3 Consult’s extensive experience in facilitating and managing 99-year Full Repairing and Insuring leases (FRI), CPCS enlisted our expertise to provide specialist advice. We were tasked with documenting the Long Lease arrangement, focusing on Asset Management and Lease Management considerations for the post-transfer period.

Upon completion of the SOBC, Mercury3 Consult and CPCS were set to progress to the subsequent stages of the business case process, subject to confirmed funding.

Although the project did not advance to full completion, the completed work provides a strong foundation. Should the project be reinstated, the developed SOBC and OBC can be easily revisited and progressed.

Our involvement ensured that the groundwork for this significant infrastructure project was carefully laid, offering a clear pathway for future development and decision-making.

Key Achievements

Successfully collaborated on the development and submission of the Strategic Outline (SOBC) and draft Outline Business Cases (OBC), ensuring close collaboration with key stakeholders, including TfW and Network Rail.

Advocated effectively for the long-term lease arrangement, gaining stakeholder support.

Delivered specialist guidance on Asset Management requirements for 99-year FRI lease arrangements.

Provided financial impact guidance for the proposed lease model, identifying potential benefits for the franchise and its customers.

Ensured the SOBC and OBC remain ready for immediate progression should stakeholders choose to resume the scheme.

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