Network Rail has taken long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London as part of a government-backed plan to develop a major international logistics hub and restore cross‑Channel rail freight capacity. The agreement, confirmed on 25 February 2026, establishes a long-term lease between Network Rail’s Platform4 property division and current owner Legal & General.

The project aims to transform Barking Eurohub into a high-capacity rail freight gateway linking the UK with Europe. Planned upgrades, valued at approximately £15 million, will extend the site’s track layout to support 700‑metre freight trains and enable the reinstatement of regular rail services through the Channel Tunnel. These enhancements are designed to increase the efficiency of rail freight operations after the reduction of cross‑Channel services in 2024.

The redeveloped hub is expected to contribute significantly to shifting freight transport from road to rail. Estimates indicate the site could replace around 140,000 annual heavy‑goods vehicle trips, supporting national objectives to reduce carbon emissions and ease road congestion. The improvements form part of wider UK freight strategies aimed at encouraging sustainable goods movement and expanding rail’s role in long‑distance logistics.

The upgraded infrastructure is projected to strengthen trade links for close to 100,000 UK exporters that rely on access to EU markets. By improving reliability and capacity for international freight movements, the site is set to enhance supply‑chain resilience for manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers.

The long-term development of Barking Eurohub is positioned to support job creation in rail operations, warehousing, and associated logistics services. As a major rail-connected hub, it is intended to play a central role in modernising the UK’s freight network and supporting future growth in international trade.