Green light for Scottish freight terminal

Proposals for a new £260 million (€369.4 million) International Railfreight Terminal at Mossend in Bellshill near Glasgow, Scotland, have been approved by Scottish Ministers, despite initial opposition from the local council.

The decision paves the way for what is being described as one of Scotland’s most significant private sector infrastructure projects and creating the country’s biggest state-of-the-art railfreight development.

In addition to new freight handling capabilities, Mossend International Railfreight Park (MIRP) will provide adjoining distribution facilities designed to enable more businesses to shift long distance freight from road to rail.

PD Stirling, the operators of the existing Mossend Railhead, will expand its existing operations to provide Scotland with a 66% increased capacity rail link to UK and European markets.

MIRP will comprise warehousing and manufacturing space adjacent to the terminal as well as bespoke, low carbon distribution, service and logistics facilities allowing occupiers to load directly to and from the trains. Stirling said facilities would be built to meet market demand and to accommodate a range of operators and building types.

David Stirling, director of PD Stirling said, “We recognise that there has been some local concern but are looking forward to working with residents to put in place locally supported management for the proposed community woodland which will include walkways, woodlands and cycle routes.”

The company said it would be the country’s only 775m international freight terminal. Phase one of the project will involve a £156 million (€221.7 million) investment, rising to a total of £260 million on completion.