Overview

Intermodal Logistics Park North Ltd (ILPN Ltd), a limited company under the beneficial ownership of Tritax Big Box REIT plc., is bringing forward proposals for Intermodal Logistics Park North Rail Freight Interchange (ILPN RFI), a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) project on land to the east of Newton-le-Willows. 

ILPN RFI will provide an intermodal rail terminal and logistics buildings. The project will enhance local, regional, and national freight links and facilitate the North West’s access to global markets.

We are now undertaking a statutory consultation that will run from Tuesday 28 October until 11:59pm of Tuesday 23 December 2025.

You can read our consultation brochure here for more information and complete a feedback form here.

Key Benefits

Better connecting the North West to global markets:

ILPN RFI will deliver a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) that connects the North West to global markets. Strategically located between Liverpool and Manchester, the site benefits from access to the UK’s West Coast Main Line (north-south) and the Liverpool – Manchester Transpennine (east-west) rail infrastructure. These rail links provide access to the UK’s coast ports, facilitating a shift from road to rail freight to move goods in and out of the North West.

Inclusion of an allocated site that will help to deliver Liverpool City Region’s Freeport:

ILPN RFI is an integral part of Liverpool City Region’s Freeport, a special economic zone created by the Government to boost investment. The majority of the Main Site* has been allocated in St Helens’ Local Plan and Wigan’s Draft Local Plan for the development of an SRFI. ILPN Ltd’s proposals will realise the local, regional and national ambition for the site.

*Main Site refers to the land to the east of the M6 motorway, to the south of the Chat Moss Line and to the west of Winwick Lane incorporating the triangular parcel of land located to the west of Parkside Road and to the north of the Chat Moss Line. 

Delivering investment and unlocking thousands of jobs:

ILPN RFI represents a multi-million-pound investment opportunity that will generate thousands of employment opportunities, with the potential to create up to 6,000 jobs. This includes apprenticeships and training opportunities – driving growth and investment in skills for the region’s young people and those wanting to go back to work and upskill. The project’s construction would also support thousands of further jobs through the local supply chain.

Providing economic and environmental freight solutions:

ILPN RFI is strategically located to promote the switch of freight from road to rail, reducing emissions and aligning with the UK’s net zero carbon ambitions. Rail freight produced only 1% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, each freight train removes up to 76 lorries from the roads, resulting in 1.6 billion fewer HGV kilometres every year nationally.1

Source: Network Rail​

Our Proposals

ILPN Ltd is bringing forward proposals for Intermodal Logistics Park North Rail Freight Interchange (ILPN RFI), a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) project, with an intermodal rail terminal and logistics accommodation and warehousing on land to the east of Newton-le-Willows.

 

The majority of the Main Site is allocated for an SRFI within the St Helens Local Plan, meaning we would be delivering a facility that forms a vital part of the Liverpool City Region’s growth strategy including helping to deliver a freeport. In addition to aligning with the wider growth plans for Greater Manchester. 

 

SRFI stands for Strategic Rail Freight Interchange. These are modern distribution and warehouse parks that are linked to both the strategic rail freight and road networks.

 

SRFIs play a crucial role in supporting efficient rail freight distribution logistics. The Government considers that there is a ‘compelling need’ for an expanded network of SRFIs throughout the country. The transfer of freight from road to rail also has an important part to play in a low carbon economy and in helping to meet net zero targets.

 

ILPN RFI is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and will proceed through the planning process for securing development consent. This is because the proposals meet the thresholds set in the Planning Act 2008 relating to SRFIs which means that consent must be sought by submitting a Development Consent Order (DCO).  

The proposals include:

Rail Freight Terminal

A new intermodal rail terminal and rail infrastructure designed as a flexible facility capable of meeting future freight demands. When fully operational, the rail terminal will be able to accommodate up to 16 trains per day (32 movements) on the rail network.

Road Links

Dedicated road access from Junction 22 of the M6 via Parkside Link Road East. 

Landscaping

Land allocated for landscaping, planting works, and ecological mitigation, contributing to the area’s biodiversity and environmental quality.

Logistics Space

Up to.767,000 sq. m. (c.8.2m sq. ft.) of warehousing and ancillary buildings with a total footprint of c.590,000 sq. m. (c.6.3m sq. ft.) and c.177,050 sq. m. (c.1.9m sq. ft.) of mezzanine floorspace.

Active Travel

Connections for footpaths, cycleways, and bridleways, promoting sustainable and active travel options.

ILP NORTH TEAM

Freepost ILP North

ilpnorth@consultationonline.co.uk 01744 802043

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