Region braced for boom as rail freight industry grows

By cmallett chris mallett cmallett@derbytelegraph.co.uk

DERBYSHIRE is in a prime position to cash in on a boom in rail freight which could create hundreds of jobs.

The East Midlands Development Agency says the region's central location means it is ideally placed for growth in the industry, which involves hauling bulk goods by train.

It says finding new sites in the area for rail-freight train terminals accessible by road is vital for the country's economy and to reduce congestion on the region's highways.

Signs of this importance have already emerged, with two developers already looking to build new rail-freight terminals in Derbyshire – Severn Trent, between Etwall and Egginton, and Landform Development, on its proposed new industrial estate at Burnaston.

And, in spring, the development agency is expecting results of a study looking into possible rail-freight terminal sites in Derby, Amber Valley and South Derbyshire.

It says six new 50-hectare sites may need to be up and running in the East Midlands by 2026.

Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce says that a terminal in Derby could create hundreds of jobs in the city, both at the site and through attracting new business.

Rail-freight terminals can make it cheaper for some businesses to move freight and mean firms can prepare for any future environmental legislation that could make transporting goods by road more expensive.

John Dowson, head of policy and representation at Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, said: "A terminal would create construction jobs in the first instance, then jobs at the terminal. It could attract new business to Derby. My guess would be hundreds of jobs could be created.

"In the East Midlands we are in a really good logistical area. Firms are already attracted because of East Midlands Airport, and the M1."

The study will also look at the Nottingham and Leicester areas.

Kevin Baillie, Emda's sustainable development and infrastructure director, said the nation's economy would benefit from more rail-freight terminals in the East Midlands.

She said: "From an economic perspective, a rail freight hub will not only create jobs, it will also bring wider benefits to local supply chains and encourage further business investment in an area."

An Emda spokeswoman said the investigation's findings would be published in spring.

She said: "The study will provide developers and local authorities with the evidence they need to develop future proposals."

Last month, Severn Trent told the Derby Telegraph its rail hub plans had been pushed to one side but it is hoping to make progress this month by appointing a property advisor.

The results of a planning inquiry into the Landform Development estate are expected in April or May.