Client: SEGRO
East Midlands Gateway is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. This £500 million logistics park, privately financed by SEGRO, creates over 7,000 jobs. It is centrally located at the hub of the region’s strategic road network adjacent to East Midlands Airport and M1 J24.
The project was granted its Development Consent Order in January 2016. The £100m Enabling Infrastructure works package was commenced in 2017 and completed in 2019. All programme milestones were achieved on time or ahead of programme. The rail connection was commissioned in 2019, and the highly successful rail port is now extended to cater to growing demand.
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50-acre SRFI
The development incorporates a 50-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) which includes a rail freight terminal, capable of handling up to sixteen 775m freight trains per day, container storage and HGV parking
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Flood risk mitigation
The Flood Risk Assessment and related ES chapter for the development and the associated rail and highway works involved extensive watercourse modelling for both local watercourses and the Rivers Soar and Trent.
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Infrastructure enhancement
Major improvements to M1 junction 24 and the construction of a bypass for Kegworth.
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Stakeholder management
BWB set up and chaired the transport working group for the scheme, which included representatives from six highway authorities.
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Job creation
A significant employment boost, creating over 7,000 jobs in the region.
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HS2 route mitigation
Ingenious resolution of potential conflicts with the HS2 route, safeguarding the project’s viability.
The civil engineers here, BWB in particular, have been instrumental in this scheme all the way through; right from when it was a twinkle in our eye , on the drawing board, right the way through final completion of the construction contracts.
Kate Bedson, National Development Director, SEGRO
BWB’s role
Initial challenges
The landscape posed its own set of challenges, from the complexities of the existing infrastructure to the environmental considerations that needed careful balancing. Our initial task was to address these challenges head-on. We conducted comprehensive watercourse modelling for local watercourses, the Rivers Soar and Trent, ensuring that the project's impact on the flood risk was meticulously assessed and mitigated.
Collaborative approach in design and planning
We set up and lead a transport working group that included representatives from six highway authorities. This platform facilitated critical discussions, alignment of objectives, and a unified approach towards the project's transportation and infrastructure needs.
Innovative solutions to complex HS2 Problems
The initial route for the Leeds leg of HS2 was announced during the early DCO consultation stage for East Midlands Gateway. The published line included a tunnel beneath East Midlands Airport, and the northern portal was located centrally in the development, effectively bisecting the site and jeopardising the viability of the proposals.
We were instrumental in developing technically feasible alternative route options for HS2, including the extension of the airport tunnel, to protect the East Midlands Gateway project’s status and viability. The HS2 team agreed to the tunnel extension option, allowing both projects to move forward through their respective planning processes.
