Heathrow Logistics Hub team visits proposed site in London Riverside BID area
London Borough of Havering and partners state their case for Heathrow's Logistics Hub to be built in the London Riverside BID in Rainham
By Ilker Dervish, 25th July 2918
Date: Wednesday 20th June
Landed: 16:00
Location: Segro Park, Rainham
I joined Havering Council and partners to welcome a delegation from Heathrow Airport, which arrived in the area to assess its potential for one of 4 UK locations to house a Logistics Hub, feeding the construction of the the next runway.
Final sites will contribute to building a construction legacy across the UK that could help provide a productivity boost worth £30bn, as well as mitigate the impact on the west London area by spreading construction across the country.
We're in a highly competitive situation, but the case is built on strong foundations. The area has a lot going for it:
- Established infrastructure for transport offered by access to the extensive road network, freight rail and the River;
- An experienced and available workforce;
- An industrial base of engineering, transport and construction, providing ready-made supply chains;
A lasting legacy for a bright industrial future
Working with the established group of stakeholders, Heathrow would be assisted in the rapid development of the Logistics Hub whilst being reassured that the project would play a key element in the regeneration of this part of East London and provide a legacy that supports all of London in the future. Once the Heathrow project is complete, the Logistics Hub could become a vital resource for the ongoing development of London's infrastructure and construction needs; this is a long term vision.
Pressure on London's roads could be relieved by better use of the River
It is recognised that over the next few years pressures on the use of the road network in London will become increasing problematic for the construction, service and logistics sectors.
The use of the River Thames for commercial traffic, coupled with the expansion of the freight rail network are now seen as some of the ways in which managing the logistics of large projects can be achieved whilst minimising the impact of freight movement on the road network.
Given that the site offered by Havering for this project provides the entire range for transport options, I strongly believe this proposal best meets the needs of Heathrow. The successful award of the project would provide a fantastic boost to economic activity for Rainham and its residents.
The main development partner is SEGRO, an already sizeable investor in the area. Alan Holland, Business Unit Director is equally enthusiastic about the opportunity:
"As a long term investment and strategic partner of Heathrow Aiprort we are committed to help deliver the most successful and sustainable airport in the world that will support the growth of the UK economy... we have identified an ideal location in the South of England... Its excellent connectivity will result in the rapid, cost effective and sustainable movement of construction materials, goods and services that will deliver signficant benefits of an expanded Heathrow."
You can read more about the longlist of sites here:
And more information on the event on Havering's site here:
https://www.havering.gov.uk/news/article/395/heathrow_team_touch-down_in_havering