ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the planning process and analyses through the use of empirical examples of terminal development drawn from the research in Europe, North America and Asia. It discusses the terminal design process to explain the development process, the steps involved and the role and motivation of each of the key actors. The development process may differ depending on which type of actor initiates and takes overall responsibility for the terminal development. Real estate and public sector developments may be grouped together as sites that are intended to be sold or leased to operators. The primary functions of intermodal terminals can be split into satellite terminal, transloading site and load centre. Some of the most commonly identified factors are market potential, location, funding, entrepreneurship and the planning system. The chapter concludes by developing an institutional framework of the key actors involved and activities undertaken during this phase of the terminal life cycle.
