First construction milestone achieved at SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett
SEGRO has successfully completed the first major construction milestone at SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett following the installation of a major underbridge structure under the Midland Main Line between London St Pancras and Bedford.
The structure enables the installation of the new section of track, running underneath the Midland Mainline, that will connect the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) to the rail network.
The works were carried out over five of the nine days that the railway line was already scheduled to be closed for wider improvements during the festive period, including an overhead line upgrade and a major bridge replacement in Camden.
The process involved cutting out a 60m section of track and removing approximately 12,500 m3 of material from the 19th century rail embankment, using hydraulic jacks to push a 6,000-tonne pre-cast concrete structure into place at approximately 4m per hour, then re-filling the earth around the concrete structure and reinstating the track.
Once fully completed, the Radlett SRFI is set to be a state-of-the-art rail connected logistics facility. It will be one of 20 in the UK and the only one serving the London area. Strategically located near the M1 and M25 motorways, it will optimise rail freight logistics, serving as a vital hub for the efficient movement of goods and help facilitate the broader modal shift from road to rail as part of the UK’s pathway to net zero.
The Radlett SRFI scheme spans approximately 1,000 acres, incorporating 335,000 sqm of advanced, highly sustainable logistics warehouse space, enveloped in 600 acres of managed woodland, conservation grazing and public country park. The country park will feature 17km of new footpaths and bridleways connecting into, improving and expanding the existing network in Hertfordshire, along with supporting and providing recreational amenities such as horse riding, fishing, an outdoor gym and play areas.
Charles Blake, Senior Director, at SEGRO, said:
“The successful installation of the jack box underbridge structure is a critical first construction milestone in the development of the SRFI at SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett, and the result of months of meticulous planning, preparation and delivery to ensure it could be completed during the Christmas period when the railway was already scheduled to be closed.
“In the context of the wider development it is a relatively small component, but it is vitally important to ensuring that the freight terminal will be capable of operating by the time the first building has been constructed and reinforces our commitment to rail freight being at the heart of this development.”
Mark Budden, Route Director for Network Rail in the East Midlands, added:
“This has been a really exciting piece of work. Our teams have been working closely with SEGRO and their rail partners to make sure the new jack box was installed with minimal effect upon passengers. It’s been a great example of private investment and our railways working together.”
SEGRO continues to engage with the local community throughout the development, ensuring that residents and stakeholders are kept informed about progress and any potential disruptions.
The works were undertaken by SEGRO’s principal contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick.
About SEGRO
SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property. It owns or manages 10.8 million square metres of space (116 million square feet) valued at £20.6 billion serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries.
For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing (including data centres) located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive.
A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO’s purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing Low-Carbon Growth, Investing in Local Communities and Environments and Nurturing Talent.
Striving for the highest standards of innovation, sustainable business practices and enabling economic and societal prosperity underpins SEGRO’s ambition to be the best property company.