SHOREHAM Port is looking to expand its trade by 25 per cent in the next few years.

The figure was revealed at a meeting of the Sussex Property Alliance held at the port.

Tim Hague, director of property and development, said: “The aim is to increase capacity to achieve 25 per cent growth in trade over the next few years through investment in new port facilities, such as increased warehousing and in terminals.”

Central to future plans is the release of land for development at the Western Arm.

This will support the expansion of commercial shipping activities on the Eastern Arm and Canal through better use of vacant and underused sites.

It is home to 150 companies, generating £4m property income annually, with the huge demand for space resulting in 100 per cent occupancy for the last eight years.

Robert Dowling, partner at chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box, said: “Shoreham Port is vital to the fabric of the South East economy, particularly for the construction industry given the volume of timber, steel and aggregates that it handles.

“It has ambitious plans for the future that will increase growth in trade and contribute to wider economic development and improved community facilities.”

Property professionals from across Sussex took to the water to hear about the plans for Shoreham Port

The water-borne tour of the port was for members of the Sussex Property Alliance with a particular focus on estate management, development opportunities and the increasing investment in renewable energy generation.

MHA Carpenter Box supports the Sussex Property Alliance jointly with Bennett Griffin solicitors and Michael Jones commercial real estate agents.