Consultation opens on plans for NW rail freight hub that could generate 6,000 jobs
Logistics giant, Tritax Big Box Developments, has launched an informal non-statutory consultation on proposals for Intermodal Logistics Park North (ILP North) in the Newton-le-Willows area.
The project would deliver a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) – a modern distribution and warehouse park linked to both the strategic rail freight and road networks – that would better connect the North West to local, regional, national and global markets, with potential to create up to 6,000 jobs and drive growth and investment in skills for the region.
Plans for Newton-le-Willows rail hub
The site is strategically located between Liverpool and Manchester, benefiting from excellent access to the UK’s West Coast Main Line (north-south) and Liverpool-Manchester TransPennine (east-west) rail freight infrastructure.
These rail links provide access to the UK’s coastal ports, offering potential to facilitate a significant shift from road to rail freight to move goods in and out of the North West.
ILP North could deliver up to .8.2 million sq ft of warehousing and ancillary buildings with a total footprint of approximately.6.3 million sq ft and around 1.9 million sq ft of mezzanine floorspace.
Tritax Big Box Developments said it is committed to meaningful consultation with the local community and will be running a first round of consultation from today, (Monday January 27, 2025) until Friday, March 21, 2025.
Residents are encouraged to find out more by attending one of the following events: Monday, February 10, at Crownway Community Centre, 2pm-7pm; Thursday, February 13, at Golborne Parkside Sports & Community Club, 2pm-7pm; Friday, February 28, at Winwick Leisure Centre, 2pm-7pm; Saturday, March 1, at Newchurch Parish Hall, 10am-2pm, or Wednesday, March 5 – Online Webinar, 6.30pm-8pm.
Detailed information about the proposals, and how to provide feedback can be found here.
The project team can also be contacted by email at ilpnorth@consultationonline.co.uk or by phone on 01744 802043.
People can also sign up for updates from the Planning Inspectorate PINS on their website.
Feedback on the proposals during this round of informal consultation will be accepted until 11:59pm on Friday, March 21. The project will then be refined before it is presented for further consultation during the statutory consultation phase, anticipated to be undertaken at the end of 2025.
David Travis, Head of Manchester Office at Tritax Big Box Developments, said: “Our informal non-statutory consultation is a key milestone as we set out our early plans for ILP North in the Newton-le-Willows area.
“It has been a long held ambition of St Helens Borough Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to bring such a development forward and we are delighted to be bringing their long-standing vision to fruition.”
He added: “The development of an SRFI at this location is an integral part of Liverpool City Region’s Freeport and is aligned with the Government’s target to increase rail freight by at least 75% by 2050, with potential to deliver a scheme of local, regional and national importance.”
The project is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning that permission will be determined directly by the Government by way of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
Mr Travis said: “We are committed to working with the local community and other stakeholders to inform the quality and design of the project as we go through the various stages of the consenting process and look forward to commencing our initial engagement with them over the coming weeks.”
Steve Rotheram
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “This development could be a game-changer for the Newton-le-Willows area. This is exactly the kind of investment we need to strengthen our position as a vital hub for trade and logistics.
“I’m particularly excited about the prospect of creating thousands of good, sustainable jobs.
“With its strategic location and the support of the Liverpool City Region Freeport, this project will help drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and open up new opportunities for local people. It’s great to see our vision for the future of places such as this taking shape, and I look forward to working with Tritax Big Box Developments and all our partners to make this a reality.”
Cllr Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: “The proposal to bring forward Intermodal Logistics Park North as an integral part of the Parkside Freeport has the potential to bring in huge growth opportunities for our borough, create a range of jobs for our residents and support our current businesses through a wealth of supply chain opportunities during construction and operation.
“We have always recognised that this strategic site is of regional and national importance for both regeneration and the transition to net zero, given its unrivalled transport connections and Liverpool City Region Freeport Tax Site status. I would strongly encourage people to take part in the consultation, hear about the vision for this hugely important site and help influence its future outcomes.”
