UK: Network Rail had officially launched Platform4, a brownfield property development company created though the merger of the infrastructure manager’s Property Development business with government-owned property development and regeneration company London & Continental Railways.
First announced by the Department for Transport in July, Platform4 brings together property, infrastructure and rail operational know-how to lead regeneration projects across the rail estate including major stations, station land and former goods yards. It is targeting the creation of 40 000 new homes and more than 900 000 m² of of commercial space over the next 10 years. Platform4 is also responsible for a portfolio of commercial property.
It is initially operating as a subsidiary of Network Rail, and will eventually pass to Great British Railways.
It will work closely with Network Rail’s Routes and Regions across England and Wales, and will also support Scotland’s Railway on selected projects.
‘By unlocking and regenerating brownfield land within the rail estate, we will generate further investment, create jobs through the delivery of homes, commercial space and new communities, whilst supporting the government housing agenda’, said Platform4 CEO Robin Dobson on November 13.
