The 734-acre strategic rail freight interchange at M6 Junction 12 will be one of Europe’s largest new logistics sites.

The vast project will offer over 8m sq ft of prime logistics space, with shed units ranging from 200,000 to 1.2m sq ft.

The logistics will be supported by a dedicated rail hub enabling multi-modal movement of goods around the country.

The design stage delivery partner role is the first of four phases of the development programme, followed by early enabling works, infrastructure works and vertical unit delivery.

One of several planned SRFIs around the UK, the site is designed to enable occupiers to move increasing volumes of freight off our roads onto the rail network, with one rail freight carriage capable of replacing 44 to 72 HGV, and generating up to 70% less carbon.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the site’s masterplan, which includes creating two new country parks of a combined 109 acres.  Warehouse roofs will be built to accommodate installation of photovoltaic panels, enabling the generation of renewable energy.

The ambitious project is being financed and delivered by Oxford Properties, the property arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS, in partnership with European developer Logistics Capital Partners, which is already working on a 15 acre scheme at Heathrow together.  They acquired the WMI site in July 2021.

Andy Busby, UK Construction Director at LCP said: “We are pleased to welcome Winvic to the delivery team.  They bring extensive experience of constructing large-scale complex logistics projects like this, and demonstrated a clear understanding of the leading approach we want to take to sustainable design, cutting edge automation, and lasting economic and social impact for the region.”

James Boadle, Head of Logistics and Residential, Europe at Oxford Properties, said: It’s an important milestone for the project as we begin delivery in earnest, having spent Q3 and Q4 of 2021 preparing the site and building a collaborative approach with key partners including the local community, South Staffordshire District Council and Staffordshire County Council.

“With huge demand in the logistics market, we are keen to have a first offering ready in 2023.”