£70m Port 'masterplan' approved and promises up to 600 jobs

Members of the Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the development which is set to create a vibrant new waterfront destination.

The development will feature a wide range of new attractions, as well as creating new opportunities for the local fishing industry, said the Port.

Attracting major high street chains are among the plans.

Jeff Teague, Estates Director for the Port of Milford Haven has been leading the planning process.

He said: “Now that Outline Planning has been approved we can move forward with marketing this exciting development opportunity which will create up to 600 new jobs and generate an estimated £45m of extra spend in the town.

"We are already talking to a number of development agents who are interested in working with us. They will carry out extensive market testing and it is at this stage that detailed plans will begin to define and shape the specific parts of the development”.

“In the meantime, work is progressing in other key areas of the destination.

"New buildings are emerging that will house modern, food grade units for the local fishing industry and create new opportunities for them to expand and diversify. On the marina side, the new £6m lock gates are in commissioning and final testing phase, soon to be launched in readiness for this year’s boating season. We won’t stand still. This investment is much needed in Milford Haven and we are committed to making it a success.”

Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don, added: ”Our investment in Milford Dock, and indeed Pembroke Port, is part of a wider Port strategy that seeks to diversify the business by strengthening trade in areas not connected to oil and gas. We want to maximise the contribution these two assets make to the business and to the local economy.

“This is a massive new opportunity for the town and we look forward to working with others to make this vision a reality”.