Sizewell C unveils plans for Ipswich bus depot, creating 400 new jobs
By Comms Team | Published on 22 January 2026 | 3 min read
- Depot to maintain a mixed fleet of around 150 zero emissions buses
- At least 75% of bus drivers will come from the East of England
- Buses to transport Sizewell C’s growing workforce, reducing impact on local roads and removing need for thousands of car journeys
Sizewell C has unveiled plans for a major new bus depot in Ipswich that will create up to 400 jobs and support sustainable transport for the project’s growing workforce.
The proposed depot at Ransomes Europark will maintain a mixed fleet of about 150 zero emissions buses used to transport workers to and from the nuclear power station under construction near Leiston.
At peak construction, Sizewell C will employ 7,900 people, many of whom will travel via the project’s two park and ride sites off the A12 – significantly reducing traffic on rural roads by removing the need for thousands of car journeys.
The first phase of Sizewell C’s Northern Park and Ride at Darsham opened in November, with the Southern Park and Ride near Wickham Market expected to open in February. Once complete, both sites will accommodate up to 2,500 vehicles.
A planning application for the depot will be submitted to Ipswich Borough Council in the coming weeks.
Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C, said: “The new bus depot will play a vital role in moving our workforce efficiently between key sites. By taking thousands of cars off local roads each day, our buses will ease congestion, reduce emissions, and contribute to cleaner air. Investing in modern, efficient vehicles shows how major infrastructure projects like Sizewell C can help accelerate the transition to sustainable travel.”
The proposed bus depot will be based at Sizewell C’s existing depot, where the successful trial of four hydrogen powered buses has already created and supported 45 driver jobs.
The facility, which benefits from close access to the A14, will operate 24 hours a day. Most bus journeys will take place outside peak morning and afternoon hours, minimising the impact on local businesses and the wider road network.
The 4.3hectare site, formerly occupied by Cinram Operations Ltd – a manufacturer and distributor of CDs and DVDs – will be refurbished to support depot operations. This may include EV charging points and hydrogen dispensing stations.
Two public information events are being held this week at Gainsborough Sports Centre, close to the proposed depot. The next event takes place on Thursday 22 January between 17:00 and 20:00.
Marjorie Barnes, Head of Regional External Affairs & Development at Sizewell C, said: “The bus depot is central to delivering our pledge made with Ipswich MP Jack Abbott, which guarantees at least 500 local jobs by connecting people with employment and training opportunities. Roles will include drivers, engineers, and maintenance staff who will help keep the fleet safe and clean. At least 75% of the driver roles we create will come from within the region, supported by training to gain a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, as well as essential maths and English skills to build long-term employability.”
To minimise energy use, the proposed depot will incorporate measures such as photocells and time-clock controls to ensure lighting operates only when required.
The plans underline Sizewell C’s commitment to delivering low carbon energy while reducing local transport disruption and environmental impacts.
Ipswich Borough Council is expected to decide on the planning application by the spring.