UP to 1,000 jobs could be created from major plans to create a new food park in Pembrokeshire, the Western Telegraph can reveal.

Unveiled during a meeting at County Hall this week, the Pembrokeshire Food Park is planned for land at Withybush Industrial Estate just outside of Haverfordwest.

The company behind the project is Hacer Developments.

The park is planned to provide one million square foot of food production and cold storage facilities, a shared distribution network, and transport hub.

The food park would be targeted at both large-scale vegetable producers, food processing, and dairy product suppliers as well as specialist smaller scale outlets and start-up businesses.

Supporting documents state: "The Food Park will provide a transformative impetus in to the south west Wales economy.

"Pembrokeshire is an area where young people have to leave to find employment. By providing good quality and skilled employment, the park will not only help keep young people in the area but will also attract new talent."

Hacer Developments Managing Director Carwyn Davies said: “Tourism and food production are two industries synonymous with Pembrokeshire.

“It’s therefore a really exciting project to be working on, that has the potential to create 1,000 jobs whilst at the same time strengthening and supporting the food industry in this part of Wales.

“The impact on the economy of the region will be significant, and we are working closely with the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone Board, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the region to promote this as a very real and deliverable project.”

The plans for the food park were announced at the Autumn Producer Evening at County Hall on Thursday.

Local producers heard that the food park would not only provide companies with the world-class resources they need to expand but also support new start-up businesses, thanks to a mix of different-sized incubator units with the flexibility for growth.

Cllr Keith Lewis, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities, described it as a very exciting development.

“A Pembrokeshire food park would provide a considerable boost for local agricultural sector and food and drink industry – as well as further economic benefits in terms of added value,” he said.

“We are working very hard with Hacer Developments and the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone on the project, and are extremely hopeful of support from the Welsh Government.”

The Autumn Producer Evening also included a presentation on the Welsh Government’s Food Business Investment Scheme from Andrew Thomas, Business Development Manager.

There was an update on LEADER programmes from Steven Bradley of Planed, and a discussion was opened on the possibility of plans to introduce a dedicated local produce section at the County Show’s food hall.

• If you’d like further information on the evening’s presentations, please contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Food Officer Joe Welch at joanne.welch@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or 01437 776169.