The UK Minister for the Natural & Marine Environment, Wildlife and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies opened Appledore’s new £3.6m fish dock facility on Monday 9 February in an opening ceremony attended by representatives from all the funding partners, as well as Torridge District Councillors, local fishermen and fish processors.
The project, funded by the South West RDA, the Marine Fisheries Agency, the European Regional Development Fund, Torridge District Council and the Bideford Trawlerman’s Co-operative includes fish landing facilities, has improved accessibility to services, and has expanded on-shore fishing facilities. A bespoke fish processing building and ice plant has been created together with converted office space which will be managed by Torridge.
Not only will boats be able to unload their catch to have it processed and sent to market at the new facility, but they will also be able to take on extra diesel, ice and water. There is also a net loft, where nets can be dried out, repaired and even made, all under cover. For the fishermen there is a bait storage area, and for the processors there is a box storage room with easy access to the processing room below. And there are changing rooms, toilets and showers, a kitchen and staff room.
Mr Irranca-Davies, said: “It’s great to see such a prime example of what can be achieved when a community pulls together for everyone’s benefit. Working together is the only way we can achieve our common goal – fishermen and their communities making a living from the sea whilst protecting stocks to ensure that there are enough fish to sustain the industry for generations to come. I congratulate everyone involved in what has been a very productive partnership. Appledore Fish Dock is a vote of confidence in a viable and valuable future.”
Ian Thompson, area director for Devon for The South West RDA, which invested more than £1.4m in the facility, said, “This has been a significant investment by the RDA in encouraging sustainable economic development for Appledore, including support for its traditional industries, and this new eco-friendly BREEAM ‘excellent’ building gives the local fishing industry the facilities it needs to grow, become more competitive, secure existing jobs and create new employment. It’s further good news for North Devon’s economy, following the recent MoD carrier contract for Babcock, and an excellent example of how the RDA works with partners to invest to unlock business potential across the region.”
Torridge District Council Chief executive, John van de Laarschot, said: "Over the last few years, Torridge has improved dramatically. We have worked hard with private, public and voluntary stakeholders to improve the economy. The fish dock is a great example - a £3.6 million investment in a key business - that of fishing."
John Butterwith, representing the local fishermen, said, “Appledore is the oldest fishing port in the country and this new fish dock expansion gives us great confidence for the future.”
