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The company that operates a key Liverpool port has acquired a huge area of both covered and open storage at the site, and intends to invest £4.5m to enhance the new facilities.

Associated British Ports said after buying 230,000sq ft of covered and nine acres of open storage from shipping agent Armitt, it will now provide additional bulk and breakbulk facilities.

ABP said the expansion project has resulted in it providing sole vessel discharge, stevedoring and storage services to its customers at the port.

As part of the agreement, Armitt will continue to operate from Garston.

ABP’s regional director for Wales and short sea ports, Andrew Harston, said: “This agreement marks an exciting milestone for the Port of Garston as it streamlines the services provided by both businesses, ABP and Armitt Group, in order to provide a better experience for customers.

“We look forward to continuing to work together in future, so that we can pursue our business growth strategy for the Port of Garston and contribute positively to the region’s economy.”

The new comes after the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Government announced the creation of eight new freeports in England at last month's Budget, which include the Port of Garston as part of the Liverpool City Region freeport.

It's a move hoped to create 14,000 jobs, along with £800m of investment.

Announcing the move, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the eight º£½ÇÊÓƵ freeports will have “simpler planning”, “cheaper customs – with favourable tariffs, VAT or duties”, and lower taxes – with “tax breaks to encourage construction, private investment and job creation”.