Associated British Ports , the UK’s largest port operator, has started construction works on the first phase of its major Humber development at its Helm @ Immingham site, the most significant development of its kind in the region for decades

This first phase of development at this 227-acre strategic location follows the grant of reserved matters planning from North-East Lincolnshire Council for 103,000 square feet of modern purpose-built industrial and logistics space.

ABP, who operate the ports of Grimsby and Immingham as part of the UK’s No.1 gateway for trade on the Humber, are speculatively developing the scheme and retaining it within its property portfolio. The scale and ambition of the full scheme reflect ABP’s confidence in and vision for the Immingham and Grimsby area.
The location is close to the A180 and the two major Humber estuary ports. The eight units’ range in size from 4,820 sq. ft. to 26,797 sq. ft. The units will be targeted at small to medium sized enterprises in energy venture startups, port logistics, engineering, manufacturing and distribution. JLL, Gent Visick and PPH have been selected as agents to market the scheme going forwards.

Helm @ Immingham can provide a further 1.1m sq. ft. of logistics and manufacturing space, along with 90 acres of automotive open storage with on-site renewable energy generation and extensive biodiversity improvements.

Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “The development of new business units is a clear demonstration of ABP’s commitment to strengthening the UK’s trade infrastructure and reinforcing the Humber’s position as the UK’s No.1 gateway for global commerce and the ports of choice for customers. This investment is not only central to our strategy of Keeping Britain Trading but also plays a key role in supporting the energy transition through on-site renewable energy solutions.

At ABP, we are proud to lead the way in driving sustainable growth for the Humber region. By continually investing in and evolving our port facilities and wider property estate, we are creating opportunities that benefit local communities, underpin regional prosperity, and secure the UK’s competitiveness for the future.”

Greg Lacey, Head of Property at ABP (Humber) added: “Work is now underway on site, marking a major milestone as ABP’s first speculative new-build industrial scheme – a truly exciting development for the Southbank of the Humber region. This project reflects our commitment to strategic investment in new industrial and logistics facilities, supporting ABP’s continued growth and reinforcing the Humber ports’ leading position in the UK. It also represents a significant investment in local jobs and economic opportunity.

As part of our low-carbon development strategy, we are targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. By incorporating air source heat pumps, EV charging, PV-ready structures and SUDS drainage, we are delivering a greener future that balances economic progress with environmental responsibility.”

The site has been allocated in the local plan for employment use since 2013 and has an existing hybrid planning permission attached to it for the creation of a new roundabout, access roads and Class B1 (Business), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution uses).

Referred to previously as Pioneer Business Park (PBP), the site has historically been used as agricultural farmland and is strategically positioned directly adjacent to the A180 dual carriageway, leading to Grimsby and local motorway networks. The site is also connected to the Humber Link Road, the port connection road that links Immingham and Grimsby.