PETALING JAYA: IJM Land Bhd expects to expand its footprint in the United Kingdom (UK) and be a co-creator in the railway property development sector following its new partnership with UK-based Network Rail Ltd.
In a statement yesterday, IJM Land announced that it will tie up with Network Rail, through its 51%-owned subsidiary RMS (England) 2 Ltd, to explore development opportunities on the land adjacent to the railway and through oversight developments in Network Rail’s portfolio in the UK.
IJM Land chief operating officer Datuk Wong Tuck Wai said the partnership follows the delivery of IJM Land’s Royal Mint Gardens project, which opens the way for the replication of the same construction solutions in other locations.
“Royal Mint Gardens required careful coordination with Network Rail and a robust approval process with local authorities.
“Moving forward, we are leveraging on our experience in rail over-site developments, which involves managing the complexities of the design, construction and health and safety requirements while keeping the railway operational at all times,” he said.
Completed in 2019, Royal Mint Gardens was IJM Land’s first project in London and comprises three condominium blocks of up to 15 storeys, built over two active railway lines.
Constructed over the Dockland Light Railway and cantilevers over a Victorian Network Rail viaduct at Tower Hill Station, the 256 private residential units required the construction of an encapsulation structure over live railway lines.
The second phase of the Royal Mint Gardens project saw the construction of a 446-bedroom aparthotel and 79 residential units.
The partnership this time around will take into consideration sites in Central London and the south east, to be developed into mixed-use schemes, residential, commercial or logistics properties.
The projects are expected to lead to new employment opportunities and drive London’s service sector.
Network Rail group property director Robin Dobson said the partnership also demonstrates the opportunity that rail infrastructure can play as a catalyst for sustainable development
“This is an important milestone between IJM Land and Network Rail as we work together to unlock land opportunities around the railway estate, specifically focused on rail over-site developments in Central London,” he said.
