This development represents Network Rail Property’s first independent planning submission, marking a significant milestone for rail freight capacity in London and supporting the city’s transition toward sustainable freight solutions.
A core focus of the Bow Goods Yard redevelopment is to increase rail freight infrastructure, with up to three million square feet of space dedicated to heavy and light industrial uses.
The new hub will provide centralised facilities to streamline freight operations, directly supporting London’s shift from road to rail transport. Currently, Bow Goods Yard is a key supplier to the construction sector, moving over one million tonnes of aggregates each year, and its expanded capacity is expected to significantly enhance freight efficiency across the city.
Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Advisor, Ellis Shelton, said: “The redevelopment demonstrates the power of utilising brownfield sites to meet urban challenges. Transforming a 30-acre underutilised space into a thriving logistics hub highlights how infrastructure projects can balance urban development with sustainability, setting a precedent for future projects.”
"This transformative project will not only ease road congestion but also significantly lower emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener urban environment, and this approval is a vital step towards achieving London’s transport sustainability goals and reaffirms rail freight’s essential role in the UK economy."
In addition to supporting freight transport for essential goods, the hub aims to reduce up to 90,000 HGV movements from London’s roads annually. This shift to rail-based logistics is expected to lower congestion and emissions, in line with London’s goals for a greener transport network and providing an efficient, low-impact alternative to traditional road freight.
Rail freight is a growing contributor to the UK economy, valued at approximately £2.5 billion annually, and hubs like Bow Goods Yard are crucial in supporting this expansion. The increased capacity provided by the new campus is expected to encourage more businesses to transition to rail freight, taking advantage of a greener, scalable alternative for logistics.
Picture credit: Network Rail
