The D&KR had initially set up an "Engine Hospital" for the servicing of locomotives at Serpentine Avenue, about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) south west of Westland Row past the River Dodder where railway cottages were subsequently built.

[4] The works was bought in 1840,[2][a] engine and carriage repair having previously been carried out since 1834 at Serpentine Avenue.

[1] The Grand Canal Dock station which opened in 2001 lies a little towards the Pearse side of the former works.

On 4 April 1841 it achieved a world first by being the first railway company owned workshop to build a locomotive, the 2-2-2T Princess.

[9] Grand Canal Street and its predecessor Serpentine Road had the following locomotive superintendents who may have been under related titles and had additional responsibilities: