Plans for major rail freight hub in Leicestershire move forward

Logistics real estate developer, Tritax Big Box Developments (TBBD) has made new submissions to support its Development Consent Order (DCO) application for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI), a significant infrastructure project planned for Leicestershire.

The proposed development, which is expected to generate up to £406 million per year in Gross Value Added to the UK economy, comes as part of a broader government push for major infrastructure initiatives.

Road and rail freight logistics provider, Maritime Group, has already committed to operating a 40-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at the site - making HNRFI the first development of its kind to secure an operator before DCO approval.

The project promises substantial environmental benefits, with plans to remove over 83 million HGV miles from UK roads and save approximately 70,120 tonnes of CO2 annually.

When fully operational, the interchange will handle up to 16 trains per day.

Andrew Dickman, Managing Director at TBBD said, "Few developers have the funding, capability and expertise to deliver a project of this scale and complexity."

"We are fully committed to the project in the knowledge of the major economic and social benefits it will bring to the country's future economic prosperity, and its impact on growth in the wider UK economy."

The development includes plans for up to 850,000 square meters of modern warehousing space and is expected to create around 8,000 jobs.

Additional features include new M69 slip roads, improved cycling routes, and enhanced local bus services.

Environmental considerations include a 50-acre extension to Burbage Common, the planting of nearly 20,000 trees, and a commitment to achieve 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.

TBBD has confirmed that no compulsory purchase of houses will be required for the project, which awaits final approval from the Secretary of State.