Pioneering plan for industrial site could be £200 million gamechanger for Ravenscraig

That is the key question being asked as one of the UK’s leading logistics companies submits a gamechanging planning application notice to North Lanarkshire Council this week that is unprecedented in its scale.

And its aim could not be clearer as it seeks to bring its United Kingdom headquarters to this former hive of heavy industry.

Family-owned Russell Group is seeking permission to build a railhead logistics hub which would also include a training aacdemy. It has confirmed that it would have an additional function as a test bed for innovation in the transport industry.

The site’s developer, Ravenscraig Ltd, has been in talks with Russell Group on the plans which would act as a catalyst for further investment in the site.

If the plans are approved, construction work would begin towards the end of 2021 with the first phase of the development expected to be completed by early 2023.

Further phases would continue to be delivered while the first section is operational, with overall completion by early 2026.

A virtual public consultation is due to be held on two dates – Wednesday, November 25, and Wednesday, December 9.

Kenneth Russell, director at Russell Group, said: “Ravenscraig is set to be one of the best-connected locations in Scotland and is uniquely positioned to be home to our planned headquarters and logistics hub. 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.

“At a time when there is so much economic uncertainty, we are proud to be investing in North Lanarkshire. While we are at the start of the planning process, we are committed to consulting with the public on our plans and will set them out in more detail over the coming weeks and months.”

Nick Davies, director of Ravenscraig Ltd, said: “This is the most significant development opportunity proposed to date at Ravenscraig and is one that has the potential to transform the site.

“An investment of this size will be crucial to unlocking further commercial opportunities at Ravenscraig.

“ The proposed investment will also allow us to realise wider aspects of our masterplan, including further housing and community facilities. This will build on the great work that has already been done across Ravenscraig and is especially welcome due to current economic conditions.”