UK Multimodal Hub
Central UK Location
Larger MapLogistics Hub UK's central UK location provides logistics, warehousing and distribution companies with fast access to the UK's largest markets and population centres, combined with global connectivity via multimodal international freight terminals.
By road, Logistics Hub UK provides direct access to the UK's motorway network at a central north-south/east-west interchange (M1/A1/M18-M62/M180).
Close proximity to Doncaster's air and rail freight terminals, as well as the UK’s largest sea port by tonnage (the Humber ports), provides speedy, flexible access to and from national and international markets.
Find out more about fast access to UK and international markets, by road, rail, air and sea, from Logistics Hub UK, Sheffield City Region.
Multimodal Freight Hub
Direct access to multiple modes of freight transport provides logistics, warehousing and distribution companies with the flexibility required to optimise logistics planning on an ongoing basis. This enables businesses to minimise costs, lead times, inventories and environmental impact.
Doncaster's established freight terminals include Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Doncaster International Railport, with the Humber sea ports accessible in less than 1 hour. These assets will soon be complemented by the £300m iPort Doncaster Logistics Park and Strategic Rail Freight Terminal. From early 2016, Doncaster’s world-class freight-handling facilities will be connected by the £56m FARRRS Link Road, creating a unique multimodal proposition with transport times of just a few minutes between terminals.
FARRRS New Link Road
Providing a direct connection between Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the iPort Doncaster 'inland port' and the UK’s motorway network, the £56m FARRRS Link Road will be a major catalyst for the further development of Doncaster as one of the UK’s leading logistics hubs.
Construction of the FARRRS Link Road started on site in October 2013, with project completion planned for January 2016.
When completed, the FARRRS Link Road will:
- Link Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the iPort Doncaster inland port directly to the UK’s motorway network at Junction 3 of the M18.
- Establish sites on the route, including Robin Hood Airport Business Park and iPort Doncaster as prime locations for logistics and distribution companies.
- Reduce journey times significantly, for both freight and passengers, between Doncaster Sheffield’s Airport’s catchment area and the airport, including a drive time of only 25 minutes [13] to the centre of Sheffield – England’s fourth largest city.
- Connect Doncaster Sheffield Airport with Doncaster International Railport and iPort Doncaster, creating a truly integrated multimodal freight proposition for logistics, warehousing and distribution companies.
- Stimulate the on-going growth and development of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, to establish it firmly as the primary airport for Sheffield City Region and the surrounding area.
Michael Cawley, Deputy CEO, Ryanair, on FARRRS.
The direct motorway link will cut journey times and open up a bigger catchment area. Once it is open the road will result in…more destinations, more business links and overall a stronger economy.
Improved Airport Catchment Area
The new FARRRS Link Road will deliver significant improvements to Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s 30 minute, 45-minute and 60-minute catchment areas. [13]| New 30 Minute Catchment | New 45 Minute Catchment | New 60 Minute Catchment |
|---|---|---|
| Doncaster | Barnsley | Leeds |
| Sheffield | Castleford | Bradford |
| Gainsborough | Chesterfield | Hull |
| Goole | Dewsbury | Beverley |
| Pontefract | Mansfield | Grimsby |
| Retford | Selby | Halifax |
| Rotherham | Wakefield | Huddersfield |
| Scunthorpe | Wetherby | |
| Worksop |
Reduced Airport Journey Times
The FARRRS Link Road will deliver significant improvements in journey times to and from Doncaster Sheffield Airport to cities and towns in the airport’s catchment area, and key points on the UK’s motorway network.Reduced Journey Times to/from Regional Cities and Towns*
| To/From | Time Saving (mins) | Distance Saving (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Sheffield | 20 | 12 |
| Doncaster (N&W) | 10 | 0 |
| Barnsley | 7 | - |
| Chesterfield | 20 | 13 |
| Huddersfield | 16 | 7 |
| Rotherham | 20 | 13 |
| Wakefield | 7 | 1 |
iPort Doncaster Inland Port Development
Representing a £300m investment and a major addition to Doncaster’s multimodal logistics proposition, the iPort Doncaster Logistics Park and Strategic Rail Freight Terminal will offer:
- Up to 5.75 million sq. ft. of rail-linked distribution warehousing
- An intermodal container facility, providing buildings for major retailers and 3rd-party logistics providers with both direct motorway access and direct rail-to-port container services.
- Building footprints in excess of 1 million sq. ft. possible, with flexible expansion options.
- Customs clearance and bonded warehouses on site. [14]
The iPort Doncaster site will be located within 1 mile of M18, Junction 3, offering close proximity to the A1(M), M62 and M1 motorways. Site access will be facilitated by the construction of the new FARRRS Link Road.
