Britain’s first freight distribution centre with both rail and air connections is to be developed by BAA subsidiary Lynton and Kingspark Developments at Alconbury Airfield, near Huntingdon.
The Ministry of Defence is selling the 414ha (1,022 acre) site to the joint venture, called Alconbury Developments, for an undisclosed sum. However, Ian Hudson of Bidwells, who acted for the MoD said: “This deal represents the best value for money for the taxpayer.” Eleven other companies bid for the site.
Hudson said Bidwells recommended the bid because of the track record of the two companies. Kingspark developed the Eurohub railhead at Corby in the Midlands and funded development at the Chunnel rail freight scheme at Hams Hall, Birmingham.
Railtrack has expressed an interest in building a railhead into the site from the nearby Kings Cross to Edinburgh main line, while BAA could operate an air freight service from the 2,750 metre long runway. There are plans to upgrade the A1/A14 junction on the edge of the site.
Around 92,900 sq m (1m sq ft), including nuclear-resistant hangars, is already standing at Alconbury and could be adapted for alternative uses. Colin Beasley of Kingspark said that over 80ha (200 acres) is earmarked for the first phase of development, which will take place on a pre-let basis.
Savills acted for Kingspark and Lynton.
EGi News 20/02/97
