Kier Group has embarked on constructing a £41M border control post in Holyhead, North Wales, a pivotal development for EU goods inspection post-Brexit.
- The facility at Parc Cybi will streamline inspections of EU goods entering from Ireland, addressing new import rules.
- Kier has undertaken preparatory work since April 2023, with groundworks already underway and the completion slated for early next year.
- The project promises local employment opportunities and sustainable solutions, including rainwater harvesting and efficient traffic management lanes.
- Holyhead Port’s new facility aims to secure existing jobs and foster new ones, enhancing economic ties with Ireland.
Kier Group has officially initiated the construction of a significant £41 million border control post at Holyhead in North Wales. This development is set against the backdrop of new post-Brexit import regulations, with the facility designed to streamline inspections of European Union (EU) goods entering the United Kingdom from Ireland. The site, known as Parc Cybi, is strategically positioned 2.7 kilometres from Holyhead Port, a major trading entry point.
Preparatory work for this essential infrastructure project has been ongoing since April 2023. The main contract was signed following a pre-construction services agreement awarded by the Welsh Government in 2022. Groundwork has commenced, marking the first phase of construction, with the steel framework soon to follow. The facility’s design includes separate inspection areas dedicated to identifying pests and diseases, thereby ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
Beyond its primary function, the development promises positive local impacts, including the creation of new employment opportunities. Kier is committed to integrating social value programmes, which include local careers events aimed at maximising regional benefits. The project will employ local residents, demonstrating Kier’s commitment to supporting the community and the Welsh economy.
Sustainability is a key focus of the construction project, with features such as sustainable drainage systems and rainwater harvesting incorporated into the design. Traffic flow will be managed with dedicated lanes, and provisions for staff parking are included, ensuring operational efficiency upon completion. These measures reflect modern environmental standards and contribute to a greener construction approach.
Statements from key stakeholders underline the facility’s importance. Kier Construction North & Scotland’s regional director, Sarah Morton, emphasised the collaborative effort with the Welsh Government, highlighting the project as an entry point significance for the UK. Meanwhile, Ken Skates, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for economy and transport, affirmed the facility’s role in safeguarding approximately 700 jobs on Anglesey while creating additional employment during construction and subsequent operations.
The Holyhead border facility embodies a strategic post-Brexit infrastructure development, promising economic and environmental benefits.
