Press Release

Transport Commissioner launches London Construction Consolidation Centre

21 March 2006

Peter Hendy, London’s Transport Commissioner, today officially launched the London Construction Consolidation Centre (LCCC) in South Bermondsey.

Funded by Transport for London (£1.85m), Stanhope and Bovis Lend Lease (£1.35m) and managed by Wilson James, this innovative project aims to ensure efficient and reliable handling and distribution of freight while making the process more environmentally friendly.  Deliveries which would normally go straight to site (which can be as many as 100 a day towards the end of a major project) come instead to the LCCC, then a single vehicle transfers only the required amount of materials for that day’s work to the site at an agreed time.

Initial trials of the LCCC since September 2005 have already shown significant improvements:

• Reliability has increased to 91% of goods being delivered in the right quantity to the right place at the right time, undamaged, compared to the construction industry average of less than 50%, and the LCCC aims to improve reliability still more to 97%
• Congestion is being eased, with a reduction of at least 50% of construction traffic trips into central London
• Drivers are saving on average two hours per journey, cutting out the need to drive into central London and time waiting on site for unloading.

Peter Hendy said: “Freight plays a critical role in maintaining London’s position as a world class city – without a sustainable freight transport and servicing industry, London’s economy would simply grind to a halt. 

“Consolidation allows us to make the most efficient use of limited road space and has a wealth of additional benefits, including reduced drivers’ hours and improved reliability.  As London continues to grow it is vital that we continue to support innovative projects like this one to promote best practice across the freight industry.”

Four major Stanhope/Bovis Lend Lease developments with a construction value of around £550 million have signed up to use the LCCC.  Unilever House has been using the Centre since September 2005, and developments at Bow Bells House, 35 Basinghall Street and 1 Coleman Street should start using the LCCC early in the next financial year.