Potential distribution role for former ironworks site
Rail hubs could be incorporated within final plan for 200-acre redevelopment.
PROPOSALS for the redevelopment of part of the former Stanton Ironworks site in Derbyshire include making it a key location in the rail distribution network for goods moving both within and beyond the UK.
Two hundred acres of land, at what is now known as New Stanton Park, were bought by Verdant Regeneration at the end of last year and the plans were put forward for public feedback in October.
Verdant, which has been working with Erewash Borough Council, estimates that over 260,000 square metres of land on the rail-connected site could be put to business use, creating around 4000 jobs.
Rail plans
The outline planning application for the site includes provision for the relocation of the existing rail link, which runs from the Erewash Valley line and creation of an intermodal rail hub.
A northern spur would facilitate bulk freight distribution, comprising three parallel sidings, allowing two trains to be loaded simultaneously and a locomotive to run between them as necessary. Intermodal trains of up to 650 metres in length would use the western spur.
Verdant worked with Network Rail to bring the existing line (which has already been used by three trains since reopening) back into use. Although the rail facilities will have the potential to remove some existing vehicle movements from roads, it anticipates that they will result in what it describes as “a modest net increase in local and regional trips, related to vehicles delivering and collecting goods to and from the rail spur.”
It says the project shows its commitment to making further investments to move “as much freight as possible” onto rail.
Feedback on the initial plans, which also include the retention of 50 acres of woodland and waterways, creation of a new pond and the rerouting of National Cycle Route 67 to provide a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians, is due to be submitted as part of the planning application.