The West Midlands Interchange (WMI) project officially marked the start of works on-site on 12 October. We were delighted to be joined by senior representatives from National Rail, the Great British Railways Transition Team, South Staffordshire Council, South Staffordshire District Council, local Chambers of Commerce, and the local community to mark this momentous occasion.

LCP (Logistics Capital Partners) and OP (Oxford Properties), joint owners of the site, remarked on the journey they have embarked on, the lasting impact that WMI will bring to the region and how it will help to transform and revolutionise the logistics sector leaving a legacy for the local community for years to come.

James Markby, Managing Director at LCP commented ‘we are incredibly proud of this partnership, we are delighted to stand here today with you all to mark this occasion and highlight the benefits this site will bring to the sector, the UK’’s economy and to the local community.’ James Boadle, Head of Logistics and European Strategy at Oxford Properties remarked ‘WMI will truly bring change and innovation, providing all the assurance and our commitment towards delivery.’

Estimating to reach £1 billion of social and local economic value over the next 15 years. The WMI will create 8,500 jobs for people in South Staffordshire, the Black Country, the West Midlands, and other surrounding areas. Getting more local people in employment will extend into improving skills through training opportunities and working with local colleges and universities to increase the employability of young people. In addition to our focus on jobs and growth, we look forward to supporting local community projects and providing a 109-acre community park for people to enjoy.

Both LCP and OP are pioneers in innovation, and WMI will not only revolutionise the sector, but it will also push the boundaries of sustainability for large scale developments. WMI is of national significance owing to its size, being the newest and most advanced Strategic Rail Freight Interchange. WMI has the potential to remove up to 76 HGVs from the road network every day. Replacing HGVs with trains. A low-carbon, more sustainable alternative form of travel. n important moment in the UK’s journey towards net zero.

Aspiring for BREEAM Excellent energy ratings across the site. Our warehouses have been designed push the boundaries of industry standards and will built with the latest innovation, including the warehouses being built with the roof capacity that will provide 150 acres of sustainable energy production from PV panels.

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