Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 22, Associated British Ports (ABP) has announced a £15 million ($20 million) investment to unlock more than 40 acres of industrial open storage land at its Cardiff and Newport ports. The move aims to meet growing demand for flexible, high-spec logistics space in South Wales and represents the start of ABP’s strategy to become the preferred landlord for open storage across its 21 ports nationwide.

As one of the few UK landlords investing in bespoke open storage platforms, ABP will provide tailored solutions in strategic port locations with multimodal connectivity. The investment will create secure, surfaced, and accessible sites ready for immediate occupation.

Helen Thomas, ABP’s Head of Property, said: “ABP is more than a port operator; we are a strategic landowner and commercial landlord, with over 2,000 acres in Wales — the second largest landowner in the region — offering unrivalled access to South Wales’ industrial hubs and the M4 corridor. We are proud to lead in open storage. Few landlords can invest at this scale or offer the flexibility we provide. This £15 million ($20 million) programme is about unlocking potential for our customers, South Wales, and the UK supply chain.”

The investment will unlock four key sites, with the first becoming available in Q1 2026: Queens Road South and Longships Road at the Port of Cardiff, and Atlantic Terminal and West Way Road at the Port of Newport. These sites are suitable for industries including steel, renewables, aggregates, and logistics, benefiting from direct access to ABP’s port infrastructure, road and rail links, and on-site security.

Helen Thomas added: “Our sites are in high demand, reflecting strong market appetite for quality, well-connected space. This investment is a major step in ABP’s commitment to supporting South Wales’ industrial and logistics sectors.” Occupiers will have 24/7 on-site security and multimodal access by road, rail, and sea. ABP’s South Wales ports also offer high-spec equipment for bulk and break-bulk cargo handling, supported by experienced stevedores.

Jeff Gibb, Lead Property Asset Manager at ABP, emphasized the company’s collaborative approach: “We work closely with occupiers to adjust and expand their space as their business evolves. In the past year, ABP has assisted several tenants with relocation, consolidation, and growth within our Welsh portfolio.”

ABP welcomes over 100 new tenants annually across its UK portfolio, reinforcing its position as a leading commercial landlord and property business. Recently, ABP appointed Sally Ford as Group Head of Health, Safety and Environment, reflecting its focus on operational excellence alongside property development and tenant support.

This investment positions ABP to support regional industrial growth, enhance supply chain efficiency, and provide flexible, high-quality storage and logistics solutions in South Wales.