The London Boroughs Consolidation Centre (LBCC) is to go ahead, with the search for a long-term logistics partner for the scheme due to start within weeks.

A successful LBCC trial – led by Camden Council, alongside the boroughs of Enfield, Waltham Forest and Islington – has seen more than 80 suppliers delivering goods to a DHL Supply Chain-operated consolidation site in Edmonton. Goods are then grouped for onward delivery to their final destination in the capital by DHL.

The trial began in January 2014 and has been extended until April 2015.

Councillor Theo Blackwell, cabinet member for finance and technology policy at Camden, said: “With tens of thousands of deliveries coming into our buildings each year, we’ve had to rethink how we could re-organise them in a more economic and environmentally friendly way.

“The pilot has seen 50,000 items delivered to over 250 council buildings so far, leading to a 46% reduction in the number of vehicle trips and a 45% reduction in kilometres travelled.”

He added that a four-year plan has been developed, which anticipates a considerable increase in volumes of goods using the consolidation centre, with a number of new partners, such as retailers, schools and more London boroughs, wanting to get involved.

Paul Richardson, MD of specialist services at DHL Supply Chain, said the consolidation centre was a true test-bed, offering significant economic and environmental benefits.

“We’re excited to be involved, and believe it could pave the way for consolidation logistics platforms right across the capital, transforming the face of urban logistics,” he added.

The LBCC is part of last mile logistics project – LaMiLo – which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and also receives investment from the Mayor of London.

A competitive tender, with a 3+1 year contract up for grabs, will be advertised in the coming weeks.

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