Freightliner Ipswich
A purpose built training academy for a national logistics leader — designed from scratch to support a major operational shift.
Size
5,500 Sq/ft
Location
Ipswich
Project Type
Office Fit Out
Industry
Logistics & Industrial
Challenge
Freightliner needed a dedicated academy to retrain their drivers on the new ERTMS digital signalling system — a major change that required specialist facilities.
Process
Zentura partnered with their ERTMS team from feasibility to final handover, shaping the design, guiding decisions and delivering a fully equipped training centre.
Outcome
A 5,500 sq ft academy in Ipswich, delivered on time and on budget — now the flagship design for Freightliner’s national rollout.
End-to-end support
Freightliner plays a critical role in the UK’s supply chain, moving more than 770,000 containers each year. When the ERTMS rollout began on the East Coast Main Line, they faced a significant challenge: every driver needed extensive retraining, and no existing facility could support it.
The brief was clear: create an all‑new academy that could house simulators, training suites and collaboration spaces — and make the transition feel simple for a team with no experience running design and build projects.
Zentura supported Freightliner from day one, providing test fits, feasibility studies and clear guidance to help them select the right space. That early clarity built confidence and set the tone for a smooth project.
Designed for use, not trends
The concept design focused on two things: functionality for training, and a look and feel that reflected Freightliner’s brand.
Working closely with Freightliner, Zentura developed a layout with multiple training rooms, collaboration areas and a clean aesthetic with bold brand accents. Bespoke graphics, custom manifestations and a strong visual identity made the space feel like a true home for the ERTMS programme.
The concept was then developed into a fully deliverable package — CGIs, drawing packs, FF&E schedules, a detailed programme of works and accurate costings. Freightliner knew exactly what they were getting, how it would work and what it would cost.
On time. On Brief. On Budget.
On site, the programme moved quickly. Throughout the project, Zentura kept the Freightliner team fully informed with regular updates and open communication. For a team new to workspace projects, that support made the process feel clear, manageable and collaborative.
The project was delivered on time, on budget and to a standard that exceeded expectations — so much so that the Ipswich academy became the flagship design for future Freightliner training centres.
“Zentura kept us very well informed with lots of updates and clear advice when decisions would impact the schedule.
The quality of the finish and workmanship is self‑evident, and the advice — especially as I’d never done this before — was really helpful to me.
We built a trusting relationship early on, and I’m ready to continue that relationship.”
Mark Rice, ERTMS Change Manager
The Experience
What better looks like
This project was about making work better. Not louder. Not trendier. Just better.
Better for their drivers: with a modern, tech‑enabled environment that accelerates training.
Better for their teams: with a space that’s easy to use, flexible and built around their needs.
Better for their brand: with a flagship academy that sets the standard for future facilities.
And better for the business: because when the workplace works better, people do too.
