The Challenge

• We were instructed by British Railways Board Residuary (BRBR) Ltd. to sell a piece of land that would kick-start a multi-million-pound project at Catesby Tunnel, Northamptonshire.  
• Catesby Tunnel would be the world’s largest aeronautical testing facility, with its closest competitor being located in Philadelphia, United States.
• This would result in increased local employment opportunities and generate greater local income through international tourism.

Our Solution

• We sold the remnants of a closed railway goods yard and disused branch line in rural Northamptonshire and granted a long lease of Catesby tunnel at a premium.
• Full planning for the Catesby Tunnel scheme was achieved. 

The Results

• We rid British Railways Board Residuary Ltd. of the tunnel liability, and achieved a long-term solution to the future stability of Hellidon Road Bridge whilst negotiating the sale of the yard and branch line, with a 50% claw back on land value following development. 
• The project was supported by the NCC enabling the Lessee, Aero Research Partners Ltd to secure £4m funding, and a further £10m private equity, enabling a grant from East Midlands Business Development Forum to complete the investment package. 
• Creation of jobs and boost to the local economy.