Network Rail could release almost 200 sites across England to help the government meet ambitious targets of building one million new homes by 2021.

The sites, which have been identified as suitable housing development opportunities and are awaiting further assessment, are expected to create enough space for around 12,000 new homes.

Around 5,000 of the sites are in London, while 3,600 are dotted around the north, including the former Exchange Station site in Manchester, which will deliver land for 700 homes. A further 1,700 possible sites are in the midlands or east england, with 1,400 in the south.

Some sites could go on the market as early as spring 2017 and Network Rail says it’s no stranger to releasing land for new homes, having helped deliver 1,700 between 2009 and 2014.

David Biggs, managing director of Network Rail Property, said the approach helped generate income to be reinvested back in Britain’s railways.

“Unlocking railway land for redevelopment investing in stations and infrastructure, can and does transform large swathes of our towns and cities and boost local and regional economies,” he commented.

Network Rail will now work with the Homes and Communities Agency, London Land Commission, local authorities and developers to release land on a site-by-site basis over the next three to four years.