Associated British Ports has appointed Turner & Townsend as project and commercial manager to provide consultancy support to its Port-Centric Manufacturing programme. 

The ports group owns more than 950 acres of port-based development land across the UK and is advancing a series of projects within its estate on sites which are considered suitable for manufacturing and distribution uses. 

The Port-Centric Manufacturing programme brings forward several sites to support the UK’s supply chain, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.

Several sites have already been through a rigorous initial review to examine the scale of opportunity and market demand, and to assess the activities and works needed to bring the sites to market. 

Turner & Townsend will join other leading specialists to advance ABP’s preferred sites through the next stages of the development process, including detailed cost planning, implementation of masterplanning strategies, design development and site de-risking. 

Huw Turner, ABP Group head of property, said: “The appointment of Turner & Townsend on the Port-Centric Manufacturing programme reflects ABP’s determination to invest in our ports and create opportunities for growing jobs, levelling up communities and making the UK economy more resilient.” 

Steve Perkins, director at Turner & Townsend, added: “Our appointment to ABP’s Port-Centric Manufacturing programme demonstrates the strength and depth of our experience in working with clients to unlock development sites with latent potential, utilising our knowledge and understanding of the UK’s manufacturing, distribution, and logistics sectors.

“Our contribution to the programme will support both local and national economic growth, help create jobs, and make efficient use of land in highly accessible locations close to UK markets and with excellent sea routes to Europe and beyond.  

“We are delighted to be a part of ABP’s team in taking these sites forward.”