Platform4 is a newly launched, government-owned development company with a bold mission: to deliver up to 40,000 new homes over the next decade by transforming underused railway land across the UK. This initiative is part of the government’s wider ambition to build 1.5 million homes, addressing the housing shortage while revitalising urban areas.
What Is Platform4?
Platform4 brings together the expertise of London and Continental Railways Ltd (LCR) and Network Rail’s Property Team, creating a single, streamlined organisation focused on unlocking the potential of surplus railway land. The goal is to:
- Deliver thousands of new homes in well-connected locations
- Attract £350 million+ in private investment
- Unlock £1 billion in development value
- Generate £227 million in additional economic output
Key development sites
Initial projects include:
- Manchester Mayfield – up to 1,500 homes
- Newcastle Forth Goods Yard – up to 600 homes
- Cambridge – 425 homes in a mixed-use scheme
- Nottingham – 200 homes, building on the success of The Barnum (348 homes already delivered)
These sites are chosen for their proximity to transport hubs, making them ideal for sustainable, high-density development.
Why this matters to Housebuilders, Developers, and Estate Agents
Platform4 presents a significant opportunity for professionals across the property sector:
For Housebuilders:
- Access to prime urban land with strong transport links
- Opportunities to partner on large-scale regeneration projects
- Support from a government-backed organisation with a clear delivery pipeline
For Property Developers:
- Potential to shape mixed-use communities with housing, retail, and leisure
- Reduced barriers to entry through coordinated planning and land release
- A chance to contribute to transformational urban growth
For Estate Agents:
- New stock in high-demand areas, ideal for first-time buyers and commuters
- Increased activity in emerging neighbourhoods
- Opportunities to market homes in vibrant, well-connected communities
A regenerative vision
Platform4’s developments are designed to be sustainable, community-focused, and economically beneficial. By placing railway stations at the heart of new neighbourhoods, the initiative supports public transport use, reduces car dependency, and fosters inclusive growth.
Led by Bek Seeley: A Proven Regeneration Leader
Platform4 is chaired by Bek Seeley, a highly respected figure in UK regeneration and housing delivery. She previously served as Managing Director for Development Europe at Lendlease, where she led major urban transformation projects in London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Seeley is also the Chair of the Euston Housing Delivery Group, a flagship government programme tasked with delivering thousands of new homes and creating a thriving life sciences district in central London. Her leadership is seen as pivotal in unlocking investment, accelerating delivery, and ensuring developments meet the needs of local communities.
Her appointment signals a strong commitment to transport-led regeneration, affordable housing, and collaborative development, making Platform4 a compelling partner for the property sector.
