Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, will invest £15 million to develop over 40 acres of industrial open storage land at its ports in Cardiff and Newport. The move addresses rising demand for flexible, high-quality logistics space in South Wales.
This marks the start of ABP’s new strategy to become the leading landlord for open storage across its 21 ports in the UK.
ABP is one of the few UK landlords actively developing bespoke open storage platforms. The company offers occupiers secure, surfaced, and accessible sites in strategic port locations with multimodal connectivity.
Helen Thomas, ABP’s Head of Property, said:
“ABP is more than a port operator. We’re a strategic landowner and commercial landlord with over 2,000 acres in Wales. We’re proud to lead the way in open storage. Few landlords can invest at this scale or offer our level of flexibility. This £15 million investment unlocks potential for our customers, South Wales, and the UK supply chain.”
The programme will deliver four key sites, with the first ready in Q1 2026:
Queens Road South and Longships Road at the Port of Cardiff
Atlantic Terminal and West Way Road at the Port of Newport.
These locations suit industries like steel, renewables, aggregates, and logistics. They provide direct access to ABP’s port infrastructure, roads, rail links, and on-site security.
Helen Thomas added:
“Demand for our sites is strong. The market wants quality, well-connected space. This investment shows our commitment to South Wales’ industrial and logistics sectors.”
Occupiers will benefit from 24/7 on-site security and multimodal access by road, rail, and sea. ABP’s South Wales ports also provide high-spec equipment for bulk and break-bulk handling, supported by experienced stevedores.
Jeff Gibb, Lead Property Asset Manager at ABP, said:
“We work closely with occupiers to adjust and expand their space as their needs evolve. Over the past year, we’ve helped several tenants relocate, consolidate, and grow within our Welsh portfolio.”
Kate Openshaw, Associate – Industrial and Logistics at JLL, added:
“ABP’s investment is a major boost for South Wales’ industrial market. Open storage is becoming a key asset class as supply tightens and demand rises. ABP’s sites offer scale, readiness, and excellent connectivity – a rare combination.”
ABP welcomes over 100 new tenants every year across the UK, strengthening its role as a leading commercial landlord and property partner.
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