Major £750 Million Rail Hub Near Hinckley Set to Be Operated by Leading Logistics Firm
A significant £750 million rail hub planned for land near Hinckley will be managed by a major UK logistics company if the project receives approval from the Secretary of State for Transport. The Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI), proposed by developer Tritax Symmetry, promises to be a major infrastructure development, featuring nine warehouses and a rail terminal capable of handling up to 16 trains daily.
This week, Tritax Symmetry announced that Maritime Transport Ltd will build and operate the rail terminal at the 40-acre site, pending approval. Due to the project’s national importance, the planning decision will be made by the government rather than local councils. The Secretary of State for Transport is expected to announce the decision in September.
The proposed rail hub includes plans for a new access road and a lorry park off junction 2 of the M69. Tritax claims that the hub will enhance connectivity between Leicestershire, the Midlands, and major ports such as Felixstowe, Liverpool, London Gateway, Southampton, Teesport, and Mossend in Scotland. Maritime Transport, headquartered in Felixstowe—the UK’s largest container terminal—supports the plan. According to Tritax, the hub could eliminate over 83 million miles of HGV journeys from UK roads, potentially saving 70,120 tonnes of carbon emissions annually by shifting goods transport from road to rail.
Despite its potential benefits, the project has sparked local controversy. One councillor warned that the development could lead to significant delays for commuters traveling from the county to Leicester. During a public consultation, some residents described the plan as a ‘monstrosity,’ with one commenter stating it would ‘blight a significant area.’
However, others see the rail hub as a boon for the local economy. One supporter said it would ‘inject vitality’ into the area, while another noted, “If it gives access to and from the M69 to relieve traffic flow in Burbage, then I think it is a great idea.”
Jonathan Wallis, Director at Tritax Symmetry, expressed confidence in the project’s future: “Maritime Transport’s commitment to an SRFI at this early stage is a significant first in the sector and reflects ultimate confidence in the location’s suitability for rail freight from the leading road and rail freight location provider in the UK. Alongside Maritime Transport’s fully fledged support, we are excited by the potential of this prime location for rail-linked logistics, which we believe will see strong demand for large-scale, flexible, modern, low-carbon space.”
John Williams, Executive Chairman of Maritime Transport, echoed this enthusiasm: “We are delighted to agree terms with Tritax Symmetry to become the long-term operator of the new SRFI [rail hub], in planning, at HNRFI. This development will strengthen our rail-connected network and our strategy of decarbonizing the full-load supply chain in the UK, moving cargo closer to the end user by rail.”
The Secretary of State for Transport’s decision in September will determine the fate of this ambitious project, which could significantly reshape logistics and transportation in the region.
