The UK’s largest port operator, Associated British Ports (ABP) is bringing forward more than 1,000 acres (4,046,856 m²) of development land to support the UK’s supply chain, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors.
ABP operates 21 ports around the UK and is making 14 strategic sites, encompassing a total of 1,075 acres, available for a range of business uses.
“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,” commented ABP’s Chief Executive Officer, Henrik L. Pedersen.
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, while all locations benefit from strong rail and road connectivity plus renewable energy generation, according to a statement.
During the next 18 months, ABP has committed to spending more than US$6.5 million to make the sites ready for development, obtaining appropriate outline planning consents, technical understanding and carrying out essential land preparation.
“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,” said Bruce Robertson, head of supply chain and consumer advisory at CBRE, which is advising ABP on the initiative.
“The need for more warehouse space to fulfil online retailing, which is growing and was accelerated by the pandemic, plus ongoing labour shortages are putting unprecedented pressure on the UK’s supply chain,” he added.
The UK currently has the third-highest e-commerce penetration ratio globally at 24% with an annual online spend of approaching US$135 billion. The online spending ratio is forecast to rise to 32% by 2025.
Port-centric manufacturing projects have already seen ABP partner with a wide range of businesses to co-invest in bespoke facilities, according to an announcement, and as the UK reshapes its energy generation strategy, ABP believes port locations will play an increasingly important role in supporting the offshore wind industry.
“One of our biggest offshore wind projects is Green Port Hull, on which we partnered with the wind turbine supplier, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Facilities off the East Coast of the UK will play a pivotal role in green energy generation, and we believe our land development initiative can help anticipate future manufacturing demand for these facilities on the way towards a net zero carbon country,” noted Henrik L. Pedersen.
Full list of site locations and sizes:
- ABP Business Park, Cardiff (36 acres)
- Atlantic Side South Dock & West Way, Newport (two sites of 73 acres and 18 acres respectively)
- Cliff Quay, Ipswich (11 acres)
- Grimsby Automotive Park (92 Acres)
- Harbourside, Port Talbot (85 acres)
- Hull International Enterprise Park (468 acres)
- Imm-Port and Queens Road, Immingham (two sites of 51 acres and 9 acres)
- King George & Queen Elizabeth Dock, Hull (159 acres)
- Redbridge and Site L, Southampton (two sites of 42 acres and 7 acres)
- High Level North Dock & 1:40, Liverpool (two sites of 6 acres and 11 acres)
