Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest ports group, has extended its property portfolio with the acquisition of the long leasehold interest of Grimsby Seafood Village, saying the purchase of the seafood processing centre provides future security and support for an important hub of UK food production.
The multi-let industrial site spanning over four acres is located on ABP’s Port of Grimsby in the Humber. The purchase of the long leasehold – lasting 125 years – which ABP had previously granted to the owners of the complex, sees the acquisition add a new, highly complementary element to the Humber property portfolio.
The 70,000 square foot site comprises 21 units with several fish processing businesses.
In 2010, the complex was built and operated by the Great Grimsby Seafood Village Limited, the facility went on to win the North East Lincolnshire Economic Investment Award in 2014, recognising its vital contribution to the local economy.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “The acquisition of the Grimsby Seafood Village strengthens Associated British Ports’ 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,” he said.
Pete Dalton and Gary Cadey, who created the village commented: “We would like to congratulate ABP on their acquisition of the site. 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 very successfully and are happy to see our vision thrive and be able to 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.”
Simon Dwyer, CEO, Grimsby Fish Merchants Association Limited, also congratulated ABP on the acquisition.
“The village is an integral part of the Grimsby Seafood Cluster of over 5,000 jobs, and we welcome the change of ownership. Our appreciation and best wishes go particularly, to Pete Dalton and Gary Cadey, for being the entrepreneurial pioneers of developing the Village for the many seafood businesses it’s served for the last 13 years. The FMA look forward to working with ABP in continuing to deliver a top-class processing and distribution facility in the heart of their port,” Dwyer said.
In the Humber region, approximately 6,000 people are employed directly in the seafood processing sector and supports a wider supply chain of over 10,000 jobs.
Some 70% of the UK’s seafood is processed in Grimsby making it a critical hub for national food security. It contributes an estimated GBP 2 billion annually to the economy.
