PLANS for a £50 million investment at a New Forest port could create 1,100 new jobs.
Marchwood Port could see new offices, a second entrance, and the near doubling of hardstanding and storage space.
The proposals for the site will “increase its capacity and operation to make more effective and efficient use of the port”.
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Logistics company, Solent Gateway Limited (SGL) manages and operates the port for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
With direct access to Southampton shipping lanes and international waters, it is operating “significantly below capacity”.
However, the proposed development is within the port’s existing boundary and there are no plans to extend the existing port.
The proposals for the 82.8ha site include creating a new entrance from Cracknore Hard, increasing storage space, modifying of existing buildings and building two warehouses.
It is hoped the port will process different cargo including aggregates, food, vehicles, building materials, wind turbine blades and steel.
The port, located in Marchwood on the River Test, has been used for cargo operations by the MOD since 1943 and has been used as a commercial port since 2016.
Currently just over half of the site is in use.
Port director, Richard Parkinson said: “Our proposals for the port will bring significant economic growth and investment to the local area. Since taking over port operations, we have created 85 new jobs and our proposals will generate circa 1,100 additional new jobs on-site and in the supply chain.
"We are already working with several local SME companies and remain committed to using local businesses to assist with the port redevelopment.”
A public consultation will last until October 23.
Meanwhile, surgeries will be held at Marchwood Village Hall from 1pm until 9pom on Friday, September 25 and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, September 26.
However, due to Covid19 guidance, they must be pre-booked. To book a session, email info@solentgatewayconsultation.com or call 02380 175 295.
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