The former Bidston Shed, which was allocated the shed code 6F, was situated on the opposite side of the tracks, and slightly further towards Bidston, from the depot. An Ordnance Survey map shows that the site of Birkenhead North TMD was occupied by a railway depot by 1899, although an exact date of opening is unknown. However, the actual Birkenhead North engine shed, as it was then named, was located to the north of the present depot, on the goods line to the docks.
Recent history
In 1985 and 1986, in order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of railways in the area, an "100 Years of Mersey Railways" was held. Birkenhead North depot was used to hold two open days, and during both events, a number of mainline locomotives were on display at the depot. Among the locomotives which were included in the celebratory events were a Class40 locomotive as well as a Class 50 locomotive.
Future
Merseyrail's fleet of and 508 units is scheduled to be replaced between 2019 and 2021 by a fleet of units built by Stadler Rail at Bussnang, Switzerland. As part of the overall fleet replacement project, which will cost £460 million, both Kirkdale and Birkenhead North depots will be upgraded to a standard which will be capable of maintaining the new trains. As part of its refurbishment, Birkenhead North TMD will have its carriage wash plant upgraded, with the depot becoming more of a focus for cleaning, stabling and light maintenance, a role which is currently fulfilled by Kirkdale TMD. Unlike with the arrangement for the current fleet of Class 507 and 508 units, Birkenhead North will not be the main maintenance hub for the new fleet of Class 777s, with this role being assigned to a rebuilt Kirkdale depot instead.
Allocation
Currently, and electric multiple units are based at Birkenhead North depot. From 2020 onwards, units will be allocated here. Previously, battery locomotives and locos have been stored at the depot in the past for sandite duties in the winter. Network Rail stables its MPV diesel unit here occasionally during the leaf fall season. Departmental equipment for Sandite duties has in the past included Class 73, Class 97/7 and traction. Four diesel shunters were also previously allocated to Birkenhead North depot. These locomotives were deployed on dock shunting duties on the now disused Birkenhead Dock Branch, serving in this role until 1989. After the Class 03s became surplus to requirements, all four examples were sold to railwayheritage preservation groups.
