We are developing plans for a new railway logistics compound on the south side of the Great Western Main Line between Acton West Junction and Kensal Green Junction.
We need to create a compound on the south side of the Great Western Mainline between Acton West Junction and Kensal Green Junction to support the delivery of changes to the railway infrastructure and the construction of HS2’s Old Oak Common station. It will include an access point to allow construction machinery to get onto and off the railway.
Following the completion of the Old Oak Common works, the proposal is to retain an area of land and a permanent road-rail vehicle access point to allow future maintenance of the railway.
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Key benefits
The proposed scheme will:
- Enable delivery of vital changes to the railway infrastructure and the construction of HS2’s Old Oak Common station where it joins the Great Western Main Line
- Mean less disruption for rail passengers by reducing the time it takes to get onto the railway to undertake repairs and upgrades
- Deliver greater value for taxpayers by increasing the amount of productive working time on the railway
- Provide permanent railway maintenance access for future resilience at this critical railway interchange
- Have a limited impact on the local residential community
Our plans
Background
Old Oak Common will be the site of a new HS2 and Great Western Main Line interchange station. This station will be one of the best-connected sites in Europe, with links to central London, Heathrow Airport, the west of England, Wales, the West Midlands and the north of England.
Old Oak Common station is being built by HS2 Ltd. To enable the new station, the existing railway must be modified. These works are being undertaken by Network Rail.
Where is the compound going to be located?
After an extensive review of the local area, the only suitable location for this lineside logistics compound is the land currently occupied by Jewson Ltd, 239 Horn Lane, Acton, W3 9ED.
This land does not currently belong to Network Rail, so we need to seek land acquisition powers and permission to carry out works by applying for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to the Secretary of State for Transport and/or apply for apply for full planning permission.
What will the compound be used for and what are the likely impacts on local residents?
The current warehouse building will be retained and used as a storage facility for vital equipment and key materials, office space and welfare for our team.
We will install a road-rail vehicle access point, which will allow machinery to get on and off the track safely and efficiently as well as creating facilities for material laydown areas.
Additional portable tower lighting will be needed for use at night. This will be directed away from residents where possible to minimise any disturbance.
It is anticipated that this compound will be in use for approximately 6.5 years and will be operational 24 hours a day.
Why is Area 1 excluded from the Transport and Works Act Order?
Area 1 is the triangular piece of land that Network Rail are proposing to purchase for future access. The land is owned by the Crown and Network Rail are unable to pursue this area under the Order and are following the process set out by the Treasury Solicitor.
Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application
Following the public consultation in 2022, an application for a TWAO was submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport on 17 April 2023. The statutory objection period closed on 5 June 2023.
The suite of TWAO application documents can be viewed below.
Public Inquiry
A Public Inquiry is scheduled to begin at 10am Tuesday , 14 November 2023 and will continue as required on 15, 16, 21 and 22 November 2023 at The Double Tree by Hilton London Ealing, 2 – 8 Hanger Lane, London W5 3HN.
Next Steps
The Department for Transport will advise on next steps now that the objection period has closed. If a Public Inquiry is required, we will update this page.
Downloads
Contact us
If you have any questions about our application, you can contact us at OOCRailCompound@networkrail.co.uk, use the Contact Us page or call our national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
You can also follow us on Twitter @networkrailWEST