Associated British Ports (ABP) is opening up more than 1,000 acres of land for development.
The UK port operator, which owns and operates 21 ports around the UK, is making 14 strategic sites, encompassing a total of 1,075 acres (435ha), available for a range of business uses to support the UK’s supply chain, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors.
ABP’s chief executive officer, Henrik L. Pedersen, commented: “This initiative will enable a growing number of businesses to leverage our land, property partnering expertise and power capacity. We believe this can make a significant contribution to the country’s economic vibrancy and supply chain efficiency.”
Rail and road connectivity
A first tranche of 14 sites is being brought forward at ports including: Cardiff, Immingham, Newport, Port Talbot, Southampton and Hull. Next year will see the release of further opportunities. All locations benefit from strong rail and road connectivity, plus renewable energy generation.
During the next 18 months, ABP has committed to spending more than GB£5m to make the sites ready for development, obtaining appropriate outline planning consents, technical understanding and carrying out essential land preparation.
Bruce Robertson, head of supply chain and consumer advisory at CBRE, which is advising ABP on the initiative, commented: “The country needs more distribution hubs adjacent to major conurbations with a good labour supply and which can connect into our road and rail networks. These ABP sites are superbly situated to do just that.”
Port-centric manufacturing projects have already seen ABP partner with a wide range of businesses to co-invest in bespoke facilities. And as the UK reshapes its energy generation strategy, port locations will play an increasingly important role in supporting the offshore wind industry.
