Associated British Ports (ABP) has marked a major milestone at its new HELM site in Immingham with a steel signing event, signalling progress on one of the region’s most significant industrial developments in decades.

The first phase of the 227-acre development will see over 650 tonnes of structural steel installed to create 103,000 sq ft of modern, purpose-built industrial and logistics space. ABP, which operates the ports of Grimsby and Immingham as part of the UK’s leading Humber gateway for trade, is speculatively developing the scheme and retaining it within its property portfolio.

Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: "This major milestone for the development of these business units is moving at pace, and for Associated British Ports is demonstrating our commitment to UK trade and the regional economy. We are the Humber’s number one gateway for global commerce, and this steel signing ceremony reinforces our position in continually investing and evolving our port facilities."

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Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber), added: "It's great to see construction now underway and we are looking forward to October when completion is anticipated. HELM is designed for ambitious, forward‑thinking businesses that want more than just a workspace. It's a flexible, high‑quality environment that suits a wide range of sectors—from manufacturing and port logistics to energy, engineering, and growing start-ups. ABP HELM is a clear demonstration of how we are unlocking strategically located land to meet modern occupier demand and support the future of UK trade and logistics."

The milestone was celebrated on site with representatives from North East Lincolnshire Council and Humber Freeport, who provided seed funding to bridge the viability gap and enable the speculative development of new industrial space.

Simon Green, Humber Freeport CEO, said: "We're delighted to have worked with ABP and North East Lincolnshire Council to support the Helm Immingham development, which will create high-quality, sustainable industrial space for growing businesses in the energy, ports, manufacturing and engineering sectors.

"Developments like HELM Immingham reinforce the Humber’s role as a gateway for international trade, broadening supply chain opportunities and underlining the region's status as a leading cluster for manufacturing, clean energy and logistics."

The HELM site, close to the A180 and the Humber estuary ports, will comprise eight units ranging from 4,820 sq ft to 26,797 sq ft. The units will be targeted at SMEs in energy venture startups, port logistics, engineering, manufacturing and distribution. JLL, Gent Visick and PPH have been appointed as agents to market the scheme.