ABP ACQUIRES GRIMSBY SEAFOOD VILLAGE

ABP Acquires Grimsby Seafood Village in Strategic Move to Bolster UK Food Security

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, has expanded its property portfolio with the acquisition of Grimsby Seafood Village, a key seafood processing centre located on the Port of Grimsby. The four-acre site represents a significant step in ABP’s strategy to support national food security and enhance the UK’s seafood supply chain.

Grimsby Seafood Village comprises 21 industrial units across 70,000 square feet and hosts a range of fish processing businesses. Originally developed in 2010 by Great Grimsby Seafood Village Limited, the facility quickly became a cornerstone of the local economy, winning the North East Lincolnshire Economic Investment Award in 2014.

ABP has now acquired the 125-year long leasehold it originally granted for the site, strengthening its presence in the Humber region and further integrating the facility into its wider port infrastructure. This addition enhances ABP’s already extensive Humber property portfolio with a highly complementary and strategic asset.

Leadership Perspectives

Andrew Dawes, Regional Director for ABP Humber, commented:
“The acquisition of Grimsby Seafood Village reinforces ABP’s commitment to Keeping Britain Trading. This facility plays a critical role in the UK’s seafood supply chain—supporting local jobs, boosting food resilience, and strengthening supply chain continuity at the heart of the Humber.”

Greg Lacey, Head of Property for ABP Humber, added:
“This strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with our ambitions for regional growth and national food security. We honour the legacy left by Pete and Gary and look forward to working with tenants to support and grow their operations. Alongside major developments such as the Stallingborough Interchange, this investment underscores ABP’s long-term commitment to the region.”

The Stallingborough Interchange, a nearby ABP development, spans over 227 acres and is set to become a hub for advanced port logistics, green energy, and industrial activity.

A Legacy Recognised

Pete Dalton and Gary Cadey, founders of the Seafood Village, said:
“Fifteen years ago, we set out to create a modern, collaborative space where seafood merchants could thrive. We are proud of what we’ve achieved and are pleased to see ABP carry that vision forward. We wish ABP and all tenants continued success as we now take a step back.”

Simon Dwyer, CEO of the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association, also offered his support:
“The Seafood Village is central to Grimsby’s seafood cluster, supporting over 5,000 jobs. We congratulate ABP on the acquisition and are grateful to Pete and Gary for their pioneering work. We look forward to working with ABP to maintain the Village as a premier facility for seafood processing and distribution.”

Supporting a Critical National Industry

Grimsby is responsible for processing around 70% of the UK’s seafood, making it a national centre of food production and security. The sector directly employs around 6,000 people in the Humber region and supports over 10,000 additional jobs across the wider supply chain. Grimsby Seafood Village remains a vital asset, supporting regional economic growth and the resilience of the UK’s food infrastructure.

Main Image © ABP

(l to r) Gary Cadey, Andrew Dawes, Greg Lacey, Cllr P Jackson and Pete Dalton

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