Port and ferry operator Stena Line UK has bought the former Anglesey Aluminium site as part of plans to expand the Port of Holyhead.
A former “eco park”, Anglesey Aluminium was taken over in 2016 by Orthios after smelting came to an end in 2009. However, it collapsed in March this year with loss of 140 jobs.
Now, Stena Line said it has bought the 213-acre site to extend and develop the port’s operations, which it has owned for 27 years. The value of the deal was not disclosed but the purchase was described as a “significant investment” by the firm.
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The Swedish firm added that the site has the potential to “provide additional land and services to existing customers and attract new long-term uses and investment to Holyhead”.
The former industrial site – one of the biggest in Wales – is adjacent to the A55 and includes almost two miles of rail track connected to the north Wales main line. It also includes a large jetty within Holyhead port which Stena said it would be “marketing this deep-water berth to the cruise-line companies that this summer have recommenced anchoring their vessels in port to dispense passenger tours into the region”.
Ian Hampton, executive director, Stena Line UK Ltd, said: “This purchase is a significant investment for us and forms an important part of our long-term strategy for the future of Holyhead Port. Our plans for the site have the potential to be a significant boost for the regional economy and local jobs. Holyhead is the largest port we own and remains the second busiest RoRo port in the UK, as well as the main route to Ireland.
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“This deal has the potential make it even bigger and ensure it plays an even more important role in bringing further investment and jobs to Holyhead. It is a sign of our commitment to the local region, the Welsh economy as whole, and more importantly our many colleagues whom we employ there.”
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