Infrastructure works have started this week on the Segro Logistics Park Northampton Gateway (SLPNG) - a 450-acre multimodal logistics hub located next to junction 15 of the M1.
The project has been designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) which will provide five million sq ft of industrial facilities and a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) once it is completed.
Winvic Construction has begun the infrastructure works this week, including the 35-acre SRFI which will handle up to 16 extra-long trains a day.
The project will also deliver new rail connections and major upgrades to Junctions 15 and 15a on the M1, a new bridge over the West Coast Mainline, the construction of a bypass around Roade, improvements to the A45 and safer junctions along the A508.
Winvic, which is working in partnership with Highways England, Network Rail and local authorities, will also deliver landscaping including more than 80 acres of parkland and amenity grassland, 18km of footpaths and cycleways, 20km of hedgerows and the planting of 60,000 new trees.
The first plots are scheduled to be ready for building construction to start in late 2021 and infrastructure works are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023.
The scheme is expected to create around 7,500 direct jobs, with around 120 being created during the infrastructure construction phase.
Andrew Pilsworth, Segro’s national logistics MD, said: “The start of construction at Segro Logistics Park Northampton Gateway is an exciting and positive milestone. Now more than ever we are witnessing the vital role logistics is playing in supporting the UK economy and it’s clear that businesses need well located, sustainable facilities from which they can meet their customers’ demands.
“Segro Park Northampton Gateway is perfectly located with easy access to key road networks and with the new rail links and strategic rail freight interchange, will present great opportunities for businesses to flourish.”