Ports giant ABP in surprise swoop for Grimsby Seafood Village to help support UK food security

                                        

Long lease purchased for undisclosed price - Grimsby Seafood Village

PORTS operator ABP has today revealed a surprise swoop for the four-acre site of the Grimsby Seafood Village - the cluster of  fish processing firms located close to  the Humber Estuary.

The amount paid has not been disclosed but the company describes the purchase of the 125-year lease as a strategic investment aimed at  providing "future security and support for an important hub of UK food production".

The 70,000 square foot site comprises 21 units.

ABP regional director Andrew Dawes says: "The acquisition of the Grimsby Seafood Village strengthens our commitment to Keeping Britain Trading.

"It enhances our property portfolio with a vital hub for the UK’s seafood supply chain - supporting regional jobs, boosting food security, and anchoring long-term supply chain resilience in the heart of the Humber."

Pete Dalton and Gary Cadey, who created the 'village', have welcomed the purchase.

In their statement, they say: "The vision we had 15 years ago was to enable the merchants to remain on the dock area in a close community environment to enable them to work together in a modern facility.

"We feel that we achieved this  successfully and are happy to see our vision thrive in such a way that it should  continue well into the future. 

"We wish ABP and all the tenants our very best wishes as we now take a back seat and slow down a little."

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Grimsby Fish Merchants' Association  Simon Dwyer comments: "We  congratulate Associated British Ports on its acquisition.

"The FMA look forward to working with ABP in continuing to deliver a top-class processing and distribution facility."

In the Humber region, approximately 6,000 people are employed directly in the seafood processing sector which  supports a wider supply chain of more than  10,000 jobs. al and national demand.

Some 70 per cent of the UK’s seafood is said to be processed in Grimsby making it a critical hub for national food security.                                   

The on-site training facility