The UK-based contractor Winvic has completed its infrastructure programme at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton. With the finalisation of the “Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project”, the East Midlands city gets a new rail-connected logistics hub.
Winvic has worked at the site for five years to build the logistics hub. It features modern warehousing, rail freight connectivity and extensive transport infrastructure, says the UK contractor.
Among the newly-built rail infrastructure is a so-called Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) — a large multi-purpose rail freight interchange containing rail-connected warehousing and container handling facilities. The official opening of the “Northampton Gateway” SRFI took place in February.
The rail site includes a dedicated 35-acre terminal and a 55,000 square-metre intermodal and HGV slab, says Winvic. The latter comprises 38,000 square metres of intermodal hardstanding and a 17,000 square-metre HGV area to support container handling and freight operations. Winvic also constructed a 170-metre-long tunnel, which shields trains entering and exiting the terminal.
Alongside the rail infrastructure, the SEGRO Logistics Park has a 2.3 million square-feet distribution facility for a major online retailer and a plot for end user Yusen Logistics. The 1.2 million square-feet industrial and logistics facility is the first operational building at the park, says Winvic. It comprises a 1.14 million square-feet ground floor warehouse and a 333,251 square-feet mezzanine. Winvic also improved access to the M1 highway.
Complex, but with an economic impact
“This has been a highly complex and nationally significant project, involving major highways improvements, strategic rail infrastructure and extensive enabling works, all delivered in live operational environments and alongside the ongoing development of the wider park, while carefully minimising disruption to ongoing operations and the surrounding area”, commented Winvic’s Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure Rob Cook.
“Our teams have worked collaboratively to deliver infrastructure that will support more sustainable freight connectivity, unlock economic growth and create long-term value for the region. We are extremely proud of the role Winvic has played in helping bring this nationally important development forward”, Cook added.
The SEGRO Logistics Park is expected to give a boost to the local economy. It will, ultimately, provide up to 5 million square feet of industrial and logistics space. This is in addition to the SRFI. The expectation is that the entire site will create around 7,450 jobs around four miles (6.4 kilometres) south of central Northampton. The city has a population of around a quarter million people.
SRFIs
The UK currently has 11 SRFIs, which should enable a modal shift from road to rail and stimulate intermodal transportation. The Northampton Gateway at SEGRO Logistics Park is the latest addition to the list.
There are two more SRFIs in development: Radlett SRFI near London, and the West Midlands Interchange. Five more SRFI have been proposed, among which is the Oxford SRFI.