Platform4 to deliver 40,000 homes on surplus railway land

A newly formed government-backed company, Platform4, is set to transform unused railway land into vibrant, liveable neighbourhoods. The initiative, a collaboration between LCR Property and Network Rail, has an ambitious target: to deliver up to 40,000 new homes over the next decade, while contributing towards the government’s wider goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2029.

By re-purposing brownfield railway sites, Platform4 aims to accelerate housing delivery, stimulate local economies, and breathe new life into under-used urban spaces. Several key sites have already been identified, with projects ranging from Manchester to Cambridge, Newcastle, Nottingham, and beyond.

Major developments in the pipeline

Platform4 Homes Masterlead (Glenigan Project ID: 25389328)
This overarching programme links the individual projects together, reflecting Platform4’s strategic approach: leveraging economies of scale, pooling investment, and delivering at speed by unlocking land already in public ownership.

Manchester Mayfield (Glenigan Project ID: 13296958)
One of Platform4’s flagship schemes, Manchester Mayfield, will deliver 1,500 residential units, alongside retail, leisure, and commercial office space. Detailed plans for Phase 1B (Glenigan Project ID: 24301536) have been approved (pictured), marking a significant step forward in regenerating this former industrial area into a thriving mixed-use quarter.

Newcastle Forth Goods Yard (Glenigan Project ID: 19066916)
In Newcastle, the Forth Goods Yard site is earmarked for 350 residential units, a multi-storey car park, and a commercial unit. This development will connect a key transport hub to surrounding neighbourhoods while creating much-needed housing in the city centre.

Cambridge North (Glenigan Project ID: 16326065)
Cambridge’s growing housing demand will be supported by a mixed-use development at Cambridge North, incorporating residential and commercial units. With the city’s tech and life sciences sectors booming, the project is well-placed to meet local needs and support economic growth.

Nottingham (Glenigan Project ID: 25206482)
In Nottingham, Platform4 is advancing plans for 200 residential units, helping to regenerate surplus railway land close to the city centre. The scheme will integrate with wider regeneration projects, improving connectivity and housing choice.

Fast-tracking housing development

While some associated schemes are already underway, Platform4’s involvement is expected to accelerate progress through funding, land release, and development expertise. By working alongside private developers, the partnership will bring forward stalled or slow-moving projects, ensuring that housing is delivered more quickly.

The collaboration between LCR Property and Network Rail brings together complementary strengths: LCR’s track record in complex regeneration and Network Rail’s extensive land portfolio. This combination is designed to unlock opportunities that might otherwise remain dormant for years.