Former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead sold

The company has secured the winning bid for the 213-acre Eco Parks’ former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead, which is a key strategic commercial and employment landbank in the region.

Stena Line has owned and operated Holyhead Port for 27 years, and has made this significant move in order facilitate the extension of the Port’s operations in the area.

The land is currently allocated for industrial uses and lies within the local Enterprise Zone, and was originally put on the market in March, after energy firm Orthios, who operated the site, went into administration.

The new site has the potential to provide additional land and services to existing customers, as well as the aim of attracting new long-term uses and investment to Holyhead, that will support the Port’s operations and become a major boost to the Welsh economy.

The former Anglesey Aluminium site has been sold. (Image: NQ Staff)

Ian Hampton, Executive Director, Stena Line UK Ltd, says: “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.

“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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The site is adjacent to the A55 in Holyhead and includes 3km of railway track that is connected to the North Wales Main Line

The former industrial site was one of the biggest on the market in Wales, but the company has not disclosed details of the purchase price.

The site has been bought under newly formed company Anglesey Land Holding Limited, a subsidiary of Stena Line UK Limited.

The deal also includes a large jetty within Holyhead Port, which Stena Line Ports has now taken over.

The Port will now be marketing this deep-water berth to the cruise line companies that this this summer have recommenced anchoring their vessels in port to dispense passenger tours into the region.

Also included in the deal is a 2.4km tunnel, which connects the berth with the main site and runs under the Port.

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It is not yet known what the tunnel will be used for in the future, but it has the potential to move materials in an efficient and environmentally friendly way from the jetty to manufacturing locations within the new site.

In addition, the site has a much sought-after high voltage electrical connection, which opens up other possible opportunities.

The company said more detailed information on their proposals for the site will released in due course.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn, praised the deal and said: “"I welcome today’s announcement that Stena will be the new owners of the Anglesey Aluminium site. We almost lost the site, and as it is of such strategic importance site - in terms of economic development and job creation on Anglesey, it was key that its owner was someone who could work with the Welsh Government, the local Council and others to try to maximise its potential.

"There is great potential to develop Holyhead port, especially in the renewable energy sector, and Stena is clearly an important partner in that, so this announcement today can help tie ambitions together as we look to make the most of this site for the future."

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