Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, is in Peterborough today to open a new £5.75m state of the art maintenance hub for GB Railfreight (GBRf), The company says the new hub, located alongside the East Coast Mainline, represents one of the most substantial investments in the rail freight sector this year.
Mr Haper will be joined by John Smith, GBRf’s chief executive officer. The hub, which is larger than six-Olympic swimming pools was completed in just 10 months and brings back into use a derelict plot of land.
GBRf says the hub is “the key to unlocking our ambitious growth plans we aim to run around 80 intermodal services a day by 2025. The building has strong sustainability credentials – it is fully powered by electricity and has been designed to support electric shunt engines and forklifts to reduce carbon emissions”.
The aim is to allow current and future customers to move an even wider range of goods by rail.
Mr Smith said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to continued investment and innovation in the rail network.
“The role of the private sector cannot be understated as a tool to help Britain drive jobs and growth in its regional economies and achieve its net zero targets. We are excited for the role we get to play in this important journey as we meet the demands of customers looking to decarbonise their supply chains.”
Mr Harper said: “This impressive new maintenance hub demonstrates the important role private sector investment plays in modernising the rail freight industry and helping grow the economy.
“Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of moving goods across the country – this new facility will help deliver clean, safe and secure freight journeys while creating jobs in Peterborough and boosting the city’s economy.”
About GB Railfreight
- Founded in 1999 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, GB Railfreight (GBRf) is one of the fastest growing companies in the rail industry, transporting goods for a wide range of customers across the country.
