In North West England, plans to develop a major new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) between Manchester and Liverpool have taken a further step forward. A second round of public consultation has been launched on the proposed Intermodal Logistics Park North (ILPN).
The development proposal is near Newton-le-Willows, midway between Manchester and Liverpool, about 25 miles (40km) from each city centre. The project is being promoted by Intermodal Logistics Park North Ltd, a company formed by Tritax Big Box REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust). The site, adjacent to the West Coast Main Line, has been identified as a potential replacement for Freightliner’s Trafford Park terminal in Manchester, which faces both capacity constraints and growing uncertainty over the future of its land.
Strategic location
The ILPN site, previously known as Parkside East, would serve both Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region Freeport, with strong rail and road links. Located less than 25 miles (40km) from both city centres, it benefits from direct access to the West Coast Main Line and the TransPennine corridor, offering dual north–south and east–west connectivity.