[3] The loop line passed through Bishop Fields and through the 20th century surrounding land north of Leeman Road.

[note 2] In 2004, the site of the depot was occupied by a mixture of disused and in-use railway sidings.

[6][7] As part of the franchise agreement, FTPE was to introduce a new fleet of 100 mph trains, together with new maintenance facilities for the fleet; the main depot was to be in Manchester, with a secondary depot in York.

[8][9] An order for 51 Class 185 diesel multiple units, and the associated maintenance facilities, was placed with Siemens in 2003.

The facilities required by the franchise agreement included: a one road three-car length shed, with sidings for 8 three-car trains; siding facilities for controlled emission toilet servicing and fuelling; train electric supply (125 A three phase); offices and stores; and a 1.5 t (1.5 long tons; 1.7 short tons) capacity overhead hoist.