The transformation of Hertfordshire’s former Radlett Aerodrome and restored quarry into the Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) has been recognised with a commendation at the Brownfield Awards 2025, celebrating the project’s innovative approach to landfill remediation and sustainable material management.
Delivered in collaboration with SEGRO Radlett, G&T, VolkerFitzpatrick, Provectus, STRABAG, BWB Consulting, WSP, and Tony Gee and Partners, the scheme is set to become a nationally significant logistics hub. Featuring a major rail-served freight interchange, new rail chord connection to the Midland Main Line, extensive warehousing, and highways, the redevelopment also incorporates extensive green spaces, including landscaping, community woodland and public open space.
Waterman oversaw the ‘landfill, excavate and replace’ remediation works. Landfill waste within the proposed rail chord corridor was excavated and replaced with engineered fill, enabling construction of the new rail chord and ‘Jackbox’ underpass. Historic landfill waste, around 35,000 cubic metres, was processed amounting to approximately 16,000 cubic metres of reusable waste which was then repurposed within landscaping bunds under a Deposit for Recovery Permit. This approach prevented the material from being sent to another landfill, supporting the project’s sustainability goals, and reducing environmental impact.
Our specialists provided environmental and geotechnical supervision throughout the works, producing a comprehensive verification report on completion. The successful delivery of these remediation activities enabled the ‘Jackbox’ underpass construction during a Christmas 2024/25 rail possession period. The project’s commitment to sustainability was further demonstrated in 2025, when Waterman produced a Materials Management Plan (MMP) under the CL:AIRE DoWCoP scheme, enabling the sustainable reuse of materials across the remainder of the site. Ongoing environmental monitoring, CQA supervision, and landscape bund design continue to ensure compliance with the project MMP and Remediation Specifications.
The judges praised the project for its innovative remediation strategy, effective risk mitigation, and dedication to sustainable material management. The commendation recognises the expertise and teamwork that enabled the safe recovery and reuse of historic landfill waste, setting a benchmark for future brownfield redevelopment projects.
The commendation at the Brownfield Awards 2025 is a testament to the dedication and collaboration that made the Radlett SRFI project such a success.
Discover more about the project here.
