Today saw developers Helioslough unveil SIRFT, the new rail-linked distribution complex built on part of the former Tinsley Marshalling Yard near Sheffield . Intermodality was on site to assist with the festivities.
A little over 42 years ago, the infamous Dr Beeching opened the state-of-the-art marshalling yard at Tinsley, which featured an early form of computer control, able to process several thousand wagons a day.
Sadly, the new yard came too late to halt the decline of rail freight during the next 30 years. By the time Helioslough and rail operator EWS commenced discussions about SIRFT, Tinsley Yard had become largely derelict.
SIRFT now offers an opportunity to reverse this decline, with two modern rail-linked warehouses now developed on part of the former yard, offering some 870,000 square feet (80,825 square metres) of distribution space.
Launching the new development, EWS locomotive 66196 broke the banner to mark the departure of the first freight train from the site.
Intermodality - transport consultants 