SGL Phase 1a Development
The first phase of the ABP Solent Gateway development is nearing completion; the multi-million-pound 21-acre development site is making way for space to store vehicles and MOD cargo, strengthening the Solent's position as a leading gateway for trade and increasing the port's capacity to support MOD operations. The entrance of the site has been improved with more space for HGVs to wait while we complete our security processes, rather than wait or queue on the road outside of the port; this will ease congestion within the local area.
Our commitment to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is part of our planning consent for the ABP Solent Gateway project. We are delivering on our promise to provide a bio-diversity net gain of +10%, both on-site and off-site, in accordance with the Local Authority Planning Process. Our partnership with the Cadland Estate, a family-owned estate close to the New Forest and Fawley indicates our commitment as we work together to provide 25 hectares of BNG across four fields on the estate.
Our efforts for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) are blossoming. Three of the four fields are complete, and the fourth will be planted this Autumn. Each field is carefully planted with a diverse range of species, including Wild Flowers such as White Carrot, Yarrow, Birds Foot Trefoil, and Sheep's Sorrel, and Grasses like Sheep's fescue, Yorkshire Fog, Sweet Vernal Grass, and Crested Dog's Tail. We anticipate that other species will naturally colonise the fields, and the Ecology team has already recorded 42 wildflower species and 14 species of grass, including the ones we planted.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that phase 2 of the ABP Solent Gateway project will start next month. This phase, in collaboration with Knights Brown, a specialist contractor, will focus on improving the marine infrastructure at the port. The project includes the installation of a freestanding breasting dolphin and berthing dolphin on the Falklands jetty, a new pedestrian walkway, and various upgrades.
We are also working with the New Forest District Council on future phases to develop other parts of ABP Solent Gateway enabling new businesses to operate from the Port.
