Trade returns to Sutton Bridge port

Sutton Bridge port is welcoming vessels on a regular basis after new owners took over in October.

The port, which dates back to the 19th century, was closed prior to being sold to Gold Star Metal Traders (GSMT) Holdings last year.
A recent planning application for fencing around the site reveals that regular shipping has returned and many of the warehouses are in use.
“At present there are nine full/part time staff employed and this will increase as further usage of the port increases,” says a statement on behalf of the owners.
The application to South Holland District Council is to erect fencing and create an earth bund at the site.
“The setting of the security fence together with security gates all along the quay is essential to this plan and shutting off the area in the event of a terrorism alert,” says the document.
“Once all the sheds are let, it is expected there would be approximately 140 vehicle movements a day. We have been advised that this would be similar to the 2018/19 tonnages at the site,” the application says.
“The reopening of the port will bring investment into Sutton Bridge, which includes additional part time and full time jobs,” says the document from agents Morton and Hall Consulting Ltd, of March.
During the 1980s the port expanded with additional storage and industrial buildings equating to 21,000msq of warehousing.
The buildings were empty when operations at the port ended in 2022 before GSMT bought the site.
“When the site was taken over the buildings were vacant. The buildings are generally steel-framed industrial buildings used for businesses including storage,” says the application.
“Since this time persons have been employed, units have been let, improvements made about the port itself and regular vessels are now using the port which supports the local economy,” it adds.
The application includes a palisade fence, sliding gates and a pedestrian gate to define specific areas.
Currently the quayside is open and has a public highway which is classed as a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) which was dedicated in 1986.
“It is essential that the quay is secured due to anti-terrorism laws,” says the application.
GSMT Holdings Ltd is based in March and has directors Neil Bowers and Ben Ward.