New food park: An artist’s impression of the proposed development

MAJOR plans have been unveiled for a new food park in the county which could create up to 1,000 jobs.

The Pembrokeshire Food Park would provide one million square foot of food production and cold storage facilities, a shared distribution network, and transport hub. It would be located at Withybush Industrial Estate, just outside Haverfordwest.

The food park would be targeted at both large-scale vegetable producers, food processing, and dairy product suppliers as well as specialist smaller scale outlets and start-up businesses.

The company behind the project is Hacer Developments. Managing Director Carwyn Davies said: “Tourism and food production are two industries synonymous with Pembrokeshire.

“It therefore a really exciting project to be working on, that has the potential to create 1,000 jobs whilst at the same time strengthening and supporting the food industry in this part of Wales.

Autumn Producers Evening : (left to right) Carwyn Davies, Andrew Thomas, Steven Bradley, Martin White – Head of Regeneration at Pembrokeshire County Council, Huw Thomas – Managing Director of Puffin Produce, and Cllr Keith Lewis.

“The impact on the economy of the region will be significant, and we are working closely with the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone Board, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the region to promote this as a very real and deliverable project.”

The plans for the food park were announced at the Autumn Producer Evening at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Nov 17).

Local producers heard that the food park would not only provide companies with the world-class resources they need to expand but also support new start-up businesses, thanks to a mix of different-sized incubator units with the flexibility for growth.

Cllr Keith Lewis, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities, described it as a very exciting development, saying: “A Pembrokeshire food park would provide a considerable boost for  local agricultural sector and food and drink industry – as well as further economic benefits in terms of added value.

“We are working very hard with Hacer Developments and the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone on the project, and are extremely hopeful of support from the Welsh Government.”

The Autumn Producer Evening also included a presentation on the Welsh Government’s Food Business Investment Scheme from Andrew Thomas, Business Development Manager.

There was an update on LEADER programmes from Steven Bradley of Planed, and a discussion was opened on the possibility of plans to introduce a dedicated local produce section at the County Show’s food hall.