At a glance
Property type:
Multimodal logistics hub
Usage:
Warehousing, logistics, rail freight terminal
Current project status:
Approx. 80% are already in operation, remainder underway
Funding partner:
Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Features and benefits:
- Comprehensive sustainability concept
- Modern new infrastructure for Doncaster
- Approx. 5,000 new jobs by completion
- iPort Academy to provide training and promote job opportunities for local residents
The story
iPort is Verdion’s flagship project in the UK. As the country’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub, it is arguably the project that most closely resembles Javelin Park in size and character. A total of 600,000 square metres of commercial and logistics space have been or will be built on the 342-hectare site outside Doncaster, South Yorkshire’s second largest city.
From the outset we have worked closely with local and regional authorities, adjacent property owners, business organisations and the local community to move forward with the iPort project, including an access road (Great Yorkshire Way) and rail freight terminal. As with many other of our projects, our longstanding funding partner Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) also played a major role. We anticipate that a total in excess of EUR 600 million will have been invested directly into iPort by the time this project is complete. This amount does not include the very significant amounts that our occupiers and users have themselves invested and will continue to invest in iPort.
Central to our plans was a new rail freight terminal which not only builds upon Doncaster’s rich railway heritage but is also designed to seamlessly complement the site’s new road links. The award-winning terminal, which was inaugurated by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in September 2018, has performed magnificently. Thanks to the connection to the existing railway line, we were able to take more than 22,520 lorries off the road in the first year alone, thereby significantly reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and particulates. As a result, iPort-based companies are able to build supply chains in the UK and Europe which are not only modern but also sustainable. Occupiers already include Lidl, Maritime Transport, Kingsbury Press, Woodland Group, Dusk, Amazon, CEVA and Fellowes.
The buildings have been constructed to the highest environmental standards, specifically including an energy performance certificate (EPC) with the high rating of “A” (very efficient). In addition, all structures have received a BREEAM sustainability rating of “Very Good”.
In 2017, Verdion won the Yorkshire Property Award in the “Game Changer” category, first and foremost thanks to our iPort Academy. This Verdion-funded initiative works with job seekers from Doncaster and the surrounding region to provide them with training and to connect them with iPort companies with job vacancies. iPort already employs some 5,000 people.
Verdion has designated roughly 50 per cent of the total area (162 hectares) as open green space. In addition to meadows and forests, this also includes wetlands and a protected area for wild animals. These green areas have been created in collaboration with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and are open to all.
To further promote sustainability, iPort offers a Green Travel Plan, which encourage visitors to the site to leave their cars at home and to get around by alternative means, including bicycle, public transport, carpooling and by foot. Verdion has put new infrastructure in place specially for this purpose. In addition to the new vehicle access road, Verdion has included cycle paths and walkways directly connecting iPort to residential areas of Doncaster, thereby promoting these clean and sustainable forms of mobility.
“The growth at iPort has been astonishing. The site has already welcomed globally recognised occupiers, and the opening of its rail freight facility is another big step forward for Verdion’s ambitious plans. It was our forward-thinking vision to create Great Yorkshire Way which has seen iPort develop at such a rapid rate, boosting our growing economy. iPort is a huge success story for Doncaster and the wider region.”
Councillor Bill Mordue, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Economic Development at Doncaster Council