‘Drop-in' event to provide voice for stakeholders on Port of Newport’s future plans
Associated British Ports (ABP) is encouraging key stakeholders, customers and members of the local community in Newport to attend a ‘drop-in’ event at the Port of Newport on 22 July, as part of a consultation around proposals for the future development of the port estate.
ABP says the consultation was launched in May when ABP published a 50-page draft document setting out a 20-year Master Plan for the port, and is due to conclude on the 1st August, when ABP will review feedback from stakeholders, customers and community representatives.
The event gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the port’s development plans for the next 20 years, as outlined in the Master Plan.
The Master Plan covers the period from 2015 through to 2035 and includes proposed additions to the port’s infrastructure, including the development of new quayside as well as additional warehousing, energy generation schemes and rail links. Further investment in the port by ABP is designed to support its growing customer base in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.
Between 2013 and 2015, ABP invested more than £19 million into the Port of Newport, which is the leading general cargo port in Wales as well as one of the biggest steel ports in the UK. It has seen significant growth in its cargo volumes to the point that it now contributes £186 million to the Welsh economy every year and supports 3,000 jobs across the region.
Director of ABP South Wales, Matthew Kennerley, said: “We developed the Master Plan and the consultation process in order to set out our plans for the future, and we are seeking the views and opinions of those with an interest in the continued success of the Port of Newport.
“This exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Master Plan but also to find out more about the port itself, including the range of businesses that operate from here, the recent investments that have been made and the opportunities for future growth.”
The ‘drop-in’ exhibition will take place from 2pm to 7pm on Friday 22nd July at the Mission to Seafarers, Alexandra Road, Newport, NP20 2NP. Anyone wishing to attend the event should inform ABP directly by email at newport@abports.co.uk. An online version of the Master Plan is available at www.southwalesports.co.uk/consultation.
