CRP has been working closely with partners from Network Rail, the London Borough of Lambeth, the Department for Transport, London and Continental Railways, and Waterloo Station, to transform underutilised space at Waterloo Station into a Freight Hub to facilitate sustainable last-mile logistics operations.

The Trial Explained

Running from March 2025, the Waterloo Freight Hub Trial will see logistics operator Delivery Mates transporting parcels into the undercroft of Waterloo Station by van, before sorting and delivering across London to residents and businesses by 10 electrically assisted cargo bikes.

This 6-Month trial will support more Londoners to receive deliveries by zero-tailpipe emission vehicles, helping to:

• Reduce congestion
• Improve air quality
• Support green jobs
• Improve the health of Londoners

The Waterloo Freight Hub Trial has been funded by Defra, through CRP’s Smarter Greener Logistics programme.

The Long-Term Vision: A Multi-Modal Waterloo Freight Hub

CRP will be sharing learnings from the trial to support the delivery of a longer-term, much larger Waterloo Freight Hub, with middle-mile deliveries made by road, rail and river.

This pioneering project could future-proof London as ecommerce and parcel deliveries continue to rise, alongside transport emissions. A long-term Multi-modal Waterloo Freight Hub could transform logistics in London and support a national shift to a low-carbon freight network and transport system.

With the trial currently in full operation, CRP is looking to make a long-term rail freight hub at Waterloo Station a reality.

Support Our Vision

Here’s how you can help us to build a more sustainable freight sector:

• Direct us to funding & sponsorship opportunities
• Offer us funding, sponsorship, skills or knowledge
• Get national government support for the Hub (politicians)
• Advise us on optimal procurement routes
• Spread the word – share plans for the Hub with your network
• Subscribe to CRP’s newsletter to receive regular updates

Please do get in touch with Project Lead for the Waterloo Freight Hub, CRP Sustainable Transport Manager Ross Phillips.

For more information on the project see the Useful Links section below.