Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Scot MacDonald, took part in the ceremony and said the project would boost employment and skills on the Central Coast.

The facility will service and maintain more than 500 train carriages being delivered by the state government as part of the New Intercity Fleet project.

The government said the new fleet would provide more reliable and comfortable journeys for customers travelling to and from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and South Coast.

“The transition to major construction, including site clearing and piling, is now under way,” Mr MacDonald said.

“The $300 million investment in the maintenance facility at Kangy Angy is expected to create 300 positions during construction, and 200 positions in operation for the Central Coast.

“During construction there are opportunities for traineeship and apprenticeship programs to provide on-the-job training and create much-needed jobs for locals.”

But not everyone is happy about the location of the facility.

Last year, Fairfax Media reported that Transport for NSW approved the facility despite acknowledging its 24-hour a day operation could involve “noise, vibration and lighting impacts” for people living in the quiet area.

Kangy Angy Residents’ Action Group spokeswoman Michelle Nicholson said residents had been railroaded on the project.

She said Transport for NSW was committed to the site because it had “run out of time and options” when it came to being ready for the New Intercity Fleet’s arrival.

Sites at Bushells Ridge and Warnervale had been considered, and were considered by some residents to be more suitable for the facility.

Mr MacDonald said once it was built, the operation of the facility would also include ongoing apprenticeships, internships, local workforce hire and work experience placements via engagements with local universities, TAFEs and other colleges.

Kangy Angy will be the primary location for the maintenance of the New Intercity Fleet and is set to open its doors in 2020.

“Construction of the facility will include about six kilometres of electrified rail lines, offices, ancillary buildings, amenities and staff parking,” Mr MacDonald said.

“An access road for local residents via a new bridge will connect Enterprise Drive to Orchard Road.”