Family-owned Russell Group, is seeking permission to build a railhead logistics hub at Ravenscraig, Scotland’s best-known former industrial steelworks site. The proposed logistics development would serve as the company’s UK headquarters, with the facility set to include a training academy while also functioning as a test bed for innovation in the transport industry.

If approved, the first phase of the development would start in early 2023, with overall completion of the scheme by 2028.

Public consultation events took place in late 2020 when the Russell Group outlined proposals to the local community. The site’s developers, Ravenscraig Ltd, responsible for delivering the Masterplan for the Ravenscraig site, have said the development will provide significant and welcome regenerative and employment benefits to the Ravenscraig project and the wider North Lanarkshire economy.

Kenneth Russell, director at Russell Group, said: “We are hugely excited by the potential of this development, which will drive real and tangible benefits to the local population, not least through the creation of hundreds of new and high-quality jobs in phase 1 alone.

“We have carried out extensive engagement with the community and local stakeholders throughout this process. At a time when there is so much economic uncertainty, we are proud to be investing in North Lanarkshire and committed to making it home to our planned headquarters and logistics hub.

“The proposed development would also help meet the Scottish Government’s agenda for developing a net zero freight and logistics rail network for Scotland which is hugely important in creating a sustainable future.”

Russell Wilkie, director of Ravenscraig Ltd, added: “This proposed development will build on the progress that has already been achieved across the site, and is especially welcome in the current economic conditions.

“Part of the site’s broader objectives and contained within the site Masterplan, is delivering new skilled jobs to Ravenscraig, this proposed development achieves this while also helping support other key elements of the plan, including further housing and community facilities.

“We believe that an investment of this size will be crucial to unlocking further regeneration opportunities at Ravenscraig, driving economic benefit across North Lanarkshire and beyond.”

Ravenscraig has undergone major investment in the last decade, with approximately 900 homes built to date, the creation of the world-class Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, a state-of-the-art college campus, a pub restaurant and hotel, a new play park and Active Travel links.

In October 2020, funding approval was granted for the £127m Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure project, which will see Ravenscraig’s connectivity improved north to the M8 and south to Motherwell and the M74.

Reflecting the needs of the modern community, the Masterplan has a focus on high quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities with space to exercise, play and safely enjoy the outdoors.

A decision will be made on the proposal by North Lanarkshire Council on 23rd December 2022.