New fish and food park proposals for Fleetwood announced thanks to £4m

Wyre Council says the 'Project Neptune' scheme will not only help safeguard the existing jobs in the fish processing sector, but create up to 100 new employment posts and also improve the land and access for future housing projects.

The investment was approved by the Wyre Cabinet at a meeting on December 2 but the project, a plan to build new commercial space on the Associated British Ports-owned land, has only now been announced.

Subject to planning permission, it will see the potential demolition of outdated industrial premises no longer fit for purpose and their replacement with new build commercial floor space to accommodate the new food and fish processing facility.

Funding of £4 million has been obtained for Project Neptune from the Government's Getting Building Fund after Wyre was successful in a grant bid with support from the lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

The latest scheme is a new version of a previous and separate fish park project which was expected to get under way in 2016 but which foundered due to a lack of funds.

There are currently more than 260 jobs in the fish processing sector in Fleetwood and the industry remains one of the biggest employers in the town.

Coun Alan Vincent, portfolio holder for resources at Wyre Council, said: “Project Neptune will help to give our local economy a much needed kick-start which is a key priority in our COVID-19 recovery plan.

“The creation of a new, modern, fish park in Fleetwood has been top of our wish list for several years.

"Whilst we have built up an investment fund for this kind of project over the last few years, it has now been made possible thanks to the Government stepping in with grant funding.

“Looking towards a secure future that includes job protection and job creation is at the top of our priorities. This is a good deal for employment in Fleetwood and Thornton Cleveleys, and a good investment for the benefit of our Council Tax payers too.”

He added: "COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on the economy and businesses, but this project will safeguard 65 jobs and create many more to help get us back on track.

“I’d like to thank the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and ABP for their work on obtaining this funding to make project Neptune possible."

The Government's £900 million Getting Building Fund is aimed at delivering jobs, skills and infrastructure across the country.

This fund is being targeted in areas facing the biggest economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister for regional growth and local government, Luke Hall MP said, “With a £4 million Getting Building Fund investment, we’re helping Fleetwood celebrate its fishing heritage and preserve it for generations to come.

“Developing the new, modern, facility will protect and create jobs, keeping Fleetwood on the map as a national leader in this industry."

Steve Fogg, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership said, '“This proposal will not only create over 100 hundred new jobs for the town, but it will also enhance the attractiveness of the area through the development of high quality waterfront residential accommodation, which I am sure will help provide the impetus to stimulate the local economy.'

Project Neptune is part of a larger regeneration project, ‘Future Fleetwood’, which is working to deliver economic growth and prosperity to Fleetwood.

The council is also awaiting an announcement on their £22 million bid as part of the Future High Streets fund to deliver its vision to kick-start regeneration of the town centre.