The government has merged London and Continental Railways (LCR) and Network Rail’s property team to create a new development company called Platform4.
The company will be tasked with delivering up to 40,000 new homes over the coming decade on surplus railway land.
Previously, LCR and Network Rail’s property team operated independently and managed different aspects of surplus rail land across the UK, which the government said often led to inefficiencies, duplicated efforts and missed opportunities for strategic development.
By working together, Platform4 is expected to kickstart £1bn worth of new developments across the country with profits generated by the new company reinvested into Britain’s railways.
Sites already earmarked for development by the new venture include Newcastle Forth Goods Yards and Manchester Mayfield (pictured), in addition to sites in Cambridge and Nottingham, which will deliver more than 2,700 new homes.
The government has appointed Bek Seeley, who previously led Lendlease’s development business in Europe and now works in various roles supporting complex regeneration projects across the UK, as chair of Platform4.
Heidi Alexander, transport secretary, said: “Our railways are more than just connections between places – they create economic opportunity and drive regeneration. It’s exciting to picture the thousands of families who will live in these future homes, the vibrant neighbourhoods springing up and the new businesses that will launch thanks to these developments. Platform4 will breathe new life into these spaces, delivering tens of thousands of new homes as part of our Plan for Change promise to build 1.5 million homes, while reviving communities around rail stations, supporting jobs and driving economic growth.”
Deputy prime minister and housing secretary, Angela Rayner, added: “We are facing a housing crisis which has led to a generation being locked out of homeownership, all while land sits empty and disused across the country. We said we’d do everything possible to get Britain building, and that’s why today we’re setting out how we’ll get more homes built across surplus railway network sites in line with our brownfield-first approach and our Plan for Change target of delivering 1.5 million homes.”
Seeley said: “Platform4 will deliver on key government priorities, creating new homes and jobs and stimulating economic growth. Working alongside our partners and local authorities, we will create sustainable places that bring communities and customers together and leave a positive legacy for future generations.”
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