Network Rail and Platform4 acquire Barking Eurohub site
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 25, 2026
The Department for Transport has announced a deal that will see Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London, with plans for around £15 million of investment to transform it into an international logistics hub.
Deal Analysis
Network Rail and Platform4's acquisition of the Barking Eurohub site from Legal & General, backed by the Department for Transport, signifies a strategic move to bolster international logistics capabilities in east London. The planned £15 million investment aims to transform the site into a modern logistics hub, leveraging Network Rail's existing infrastructure expertise and Platform4's property development capabilities. This acquisition aligns with the Department for Transport's broader objective of enhancing the UK's transport infrastructure and promoting efficient freight movement. National Rail Corporation is also involved as a buyer.
The deal is notable for the involvement of key players in the UK's transport sector, including Network Rail, a major infrastructure owner, and the Department for Transport, a significant backer of transport projects. Legal & General's divestment suggests a portfolio realignment within their infrastructure investment strategy. The relatively modest £15 million investment, while significant for the site's transformation, indicates a focused and targeted approach to improving existing infrastructure rather than a large-scale greenfield development. The deal's announcement in 2026 suggests a forward-looking strategy for enhancing logistics capacity.
- Network Rail and Platform4 acquire Barking Eurohub site with £15 million investment.
- Department for Transport backing highlights strategic importance.
- Involves key players in UK transport and infrastructure sectors.
- Focus on transforming existing infrastructure for international logistics.
Market Context: The transport sector in the UK is characterized by ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades and expansion to meet growing demand for freight and passenger transport. The government plays a significant role in shaping the sector through policy and funding initiatives, with a focus on improving efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The deal will pave the way for the return of cross-Channel rail freight. "The Government-backed deal will see Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London, currently owned by Legal & General, with plans for around £15 million of investment to transform it into an international logistics hub." DfT said the investment would help to support the return of regular intermodal freight trains, which carry cargo in containers that can be easily transferred across rail, road, and sea, through the Channel Tunnel.
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Deal Size
plans for around £15 million of investment to transform it into an international logistics hub
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Location
Barking Eurohub site in east London
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Announcement
In The News | 25th February 2026 | Latest Rail News
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
N
Network Rail
buyer
"Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site"
P
Platform4
buyer
"Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site"
D
Department for Transport
null
"The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a “landmark deal”"
L
Legal & General
seller
"Barking Eurohub site in east London, currently owned by Legal & General"
high quality
Enriched Feb 26, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Transport sector in United Kingdom.
99
deals in United Kingdom
1 of 117 Transport deals tracked this month · Updated daily