Anglia Integrated Control Centre
Network Rail
Background
Part of Network Rail's operational strategy was the co-location of infrastructure operator with train operator. This programme was started in 2001 and in 2004 the programme commenced in the project to co-locate Network Rail control with that of One Trains near Liverpool Street in London. This project would also merge the existing Network Rail control offices in Cambridge and the GE/Anglia and North London Line controls from Liverpool Street IECC.
Project
We were commissioned to provide design and ergonomics support to the project team and provide an interface between the delivery of an operational control room in a refurbished office building and the operational and end users.
Implementation
Through observation and discussion CCD gained an understanding of previous operations and the requirements for the migration to the new control. This aspect of the project was challenging as at the time, the operators were in negotiations with their staff and unions about the migration so sensitivity in our approach was required. CCD delivered a comprehensive set of design requirements and managed client acceptance.
Through a series of interactive exercises, CCD developed a workstation and control room layout design and worked with the project interior designers to incorporate an incident room, an appropriate entrance to the control and staff welfare facilities. CCD provided an on-going design support to the multi-disciplinary project team interfacing with interior design, building services, and IT teams.
Outcomes
CCD's work at Anglia helped develop a control room that exceeded the client requirements for a control room that integrated operations of different and previously separated organisations.
The quality of design provided by CCD at this, one of the earliest Integrated Control Centres, set a new benchmark standard. The recognition of this by Network Rail led to our ongoing involvement in all of the next ICCs and increasingly high levels of accommodation provided for these centres.