REDEVELOPMENT of Wales’ largest fishing Port, Milford Fish Docks, got underway last week, in a project that promises to 'create or safeguard' 27 jobs.

The Port of Milford Haven is building new fish processing units, offices and facilities for the inshore fleet as part of its wider plan to boost the industry and strengthen the economic ties between the town and fishing industry.

It is the second stage of the Port's controversial £70m redevelopment of the docks, which - if granted planning - would see one of the town's oldest buildings, the Grade II-listed former Milford Docks Company building, in Sybil Way, knocked down.

The Port says it hopes the modernisation of the facilities will revitalise the town’s heritage, which has links to the fishing industry going back 125 years.

Costing more than £1.5million, of which 60 per cent is to be grant funded, the project is backed by the European Fisheries Fund through the Welsh Government.

Asked what the likely economic benefit to the area will be, a spokesman for the Port said it was 'difficult to quantify' as the units had not been pre-let, but that Port was in discussion with several fishing companies.

To make way for the new facilities, two buildings, known locally as the F Shed and Packaway buildings, will be knocked down.

But Jeff Teague, who is overseeing the project, said contractors WB Griffiths, from Haverfordwest, will do everything they can to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“People should expect some traffic and pedestrian restrictions during the works, but we will keep talking to local stakeholders to make sure everyone is kept up to date with what is going on.

Mr Teague said he was excited so the the project get underway.

"Few people realise how vibrant Wales’ biggest fishing port actually is," he said.

"We want to make the industry more visible and ensure it creates greater benefits for local businesses.

"Just as importantly we want to make sure everyone can get a taste of what is landed here, if they want it!”

Work is expected to continue until spring next year.