In 2007 Intermodality assisted client Helioslough roll out 2 new rail-linked warehouses in Sheffield at the SIRFT development, on the site of the former Tinsley marshalling yard. The buildings were subsequently let to Marks & Spencer, with ownership of the site subsequently transferring to CBRE and in turn to London Metric.

The initial route proposals by HS2 through the Sheffield area passed close to the SIRFT site, but would have enabled M&S to maintain its operations. A subsequent change in the alignment through Meadowhall, designed to avoid the Firth Rixson steelworks, introduced a major departure from HS2’s own design standards, reducing speeds from 400km/h to 190km/h, and causing the route to pass straight through the SIRFT site – which would have seen the rail-linked warehouses demolished and several hundred M&S staff made redundant.

Working with M&S and London Metric, we produced a series of alternative route options, the objective being to no only reduce the impact of HS2 on SIRFT, but also on a number of adjoining employers, including Harworth Estates (and the biggest single regeneration scheme in the area), Morrisons, Outukumpu and Sheffield Business Park. With close support from Interel and Lichfields, we assisted London Metric and Harworth to engage with local stakeholders and make the case to HS2, highlighting the scale of local impacts from construction, business disruption and relocation and employment loss, along with presenting alternative route options to minimise impacts and improve deliverability.

We are therefore pleased to note today’s recommendation by HS2 to pursue a revised alignment further to the east of Sheffield, with HS2 services able to reach the city centre direct via existing lines – a good example of positive engagement leading to positive outcomes.

Published by Nick Gallop