Issue details

Magna Tram Train Stop – Increase in the original approval for the appointment of Network Rail for the Delivery Phase of the project

After many months of delay, due mainly to obtaining the necessary rail industry consents for the works, this project has now reached the Delivery Phase and final approval is now sought to appoint Network Rail (NWR) to undertake construction of the new Tram Train station at Magna. The appointment of NWR will be formalised with the signing of an Implementation Agreement (IA) between SYMCA and NWR setting out the costs and timescales for delivery and T&C’s of the appointment.

In February 2024 approval was granted to progress the project to Implementation including the appointment of NWR for the Delivery Phase to a budget ceiling of £6,859,649 [publicised as a Key Decision]. Due to a number of reasons including confirmation on the T&C’s of the IA, specifically in relation to the proposed lease of the new station and delays associated with obtaining the necessary railway consents required to implement the station the IA remains unsigned. However, all outstanding issues have now been resolved and a revised draft IA has been agreed in principle between NWR and SYMCA that is ready for signature.

Unfortunately, with the passage of time costs have increased and NWR’s estimated costs for the Delivery Phase have since risen to £7,074,541 an increase of £214,892.

The increase in estimated Network Rail costs can be attributed to:

• Increase in AMCO (Principal Works Contractor) contract price, driven by inflation.
• Increase in design costs for design management and temporary works.
• The increased AMCO price has in turn increased the values for the Network Rail and Industry Risk fees as these are calculated using a ready reckoner that takes the contractor costs into account.

To avoid any further delays/additional costs and keep to the revised delivery programme NWR are seeking to enter into contract with AMCO, their nominated Contractor, by 31st January 2025. NWR cannot proceed in this regard until the Implementation Agreement has been signed by both SYMCA and NWR.

Approval is now sought to increase the value of NWR’s appointment under the IA to £7,074,541

Subject to agreement of this additional approval it is planned to make a start on site February 2025 (site establishment) with forecast completion and entry into service November 2025.



Decision type: Non-key

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Notice of proposed decision first published: 30/01/2025

Decision due: 30 Jan 2025 by Executive Director of Transport

Contact: Melanie Corcoran, Executive Director of Transport Email: melanie.corcoran@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk.

Decisions