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ABP consults on Newport’s future
[ May 4, 2016 // Chris ]Associated British Ports (ABP) has launched a consultation on the Port of Newport Master Plan, setting out its future vision for growth and development until 2035, and inviting stakeholders to have their say on the port’s future – even though the port is threatened by a road scheme.
It includes proposed infrastructure developments such as the creation of new quayside, storage and warehousing and the identification of strategic development plots to support growing market sectors, new customers and power generation facilities.
Director of ABP South Wales, Matthew Kennerley, said: “The Port of Newport is regarded as a major port, both in Wales and the UK, and is a vital component of the local and national economy. Given the Port of Newport’s significance, and in accordance with government guidance, we believe that it is appropriate to set out our proposals for the future in a comprehensive Master Plan for the port. While we have serious concerns about the impact of the proposed M4 relief road on the port, this document details how the port could develop and what we believe needs to be done between now and 2035 to ensure that the port continues to grow in a sustainable and prosperous way.”
ABP is to make a formal objection to the Welsh Government and the Secretary of State for Transport against the compulsory purchase of approximately 87 acres of land through the centre of the Port of Newport for a road scheme.
However, Kennerley continued: “There are real opportunities for the Port of Newport, not least due to its location, with good connections to the rest of the UK, but also due to its ability to handle deep sea vessels of up to 40,000 tonnes. It is a crucial hub for Welsh and UK industries who want to access growing deep sea markets, including China, the Far East, Russia and the Americas.”
The plan can be viewed online at http://www.southwalesports.co.uk/consultation and the consultation period is open until Monday 1 August.