A masterplan to transform over 30 acres of brownfield land at Bow Goods Yard into a rail freight campus and last-mile logistics hub has been approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation.

This landmark development is set to breathe new life into the final piece of legacy land from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and represents Network Rail Property’s first independently-led planning submission.

Under the approved plan, Bow Goods Yard will add up to 3 million square feet of new industrial space, catering to both heavy and light industrial needs. This vast new hub will play a critical role in accelerating London's shift to sustainable, low-emission freight by removing up to 90,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) trips from the roads annually. The resulting congestion and emissions reductions will mark a significant step toward a greener urban logistics landscape.

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The approved masterplan also introduces a variety of leisure facilities, with provisions for up to 350,000 square feet of destination leisure, 35,000 square feet for food and beverage options, and 55,000 square feet for sports pitches.

The Bow Goods Yard site has long been an essential component of London's construction sector, supplying over a million tonnes of aggregates each year. The plan, therefore, is not just about freight efficiency but also about fortifying the capital's industrial backbone. Rail freight, which contributes £2.5 billion annually to the UK economy, will see expanded capacity through this consolidated and upgraded site. Enclosing and screening Bow's concrete-batching facilities will streamline operations and support the creation of a centralised last-mile logistics hub. It is anticipated that the entire scheme will generate up to 5,000 new jobs.

Alongside economic and logistical improvements, the redevelopment will focus on enhancing public access and green spaces. Currently inaccessible to the local community, large sections of the site will be reimagined with 200,000 square feet of new public open space. These will include tree-lined walkways, green walls, and roofs, as well as improved pedestrian and cycle paths. Around 150 new trees will be planted, and The Greenway, a popular pedestrian route, will be significantly upgraded.