Land deal agreed for major Immingham port expansion

The land purchase will allow a major expansion of the Port of Immingham

One of the UK's biggest ports has announced expansion plans after buying more than 200 acres (81 hectares) of land.

A number of warehouses and distribution centres will be built at Stallingborough Interchange near the Port of Immingham.

More than a third of the site could be used to store vehicles.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has exchanged contracts on the purchase with North East Lincolnshire Council.

Associated British Ports is purchasing the land from North East Lincolnshire Council

The 227.5 acre (92 hectare) site, also known as Pioneer Business Park, is next to the A180 between Immingham and Grimsby.

ABP said the site is earmarked for commercial port opportunities including automotive, bulk warehousing, distribution and logistic uses, advanced manufacturing and green initiatives.

Simon Bird, ABP regional director, said: "This is an important milestone in the future growth of the Humber ports.

"This additional land will ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art infrastructure, facilities and technological innovation for new and existing customers."

Electric vehicles

The company said there was "emerging demand" for new vehicles, partly as a result of drivers converting to electric cars.

It said it intended to submit a planning application in early 2024 to use part of the land for automotive logistics.

Councillor Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "The sale has realised the opportunity to see development accelerated at Pioneer Business Park at a pace and is likely to bring with it a variety of benefits, including additional investment, facilities, and jobs locally."

Mr Jackson added: "I'd like to thank ABP for coming to the table with the proposals, and for creating what will be one of the biggest single developments in the area in recent times."