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Newhaven Port Publishes Vision for the Future
Newhaven Port and Properties (NPP) has this week published its Port Masterplan, setting out the Port’s framework for development over the next twenty to thirty years.
The Newhaven Port Masterplan, which can be downloaded from the port’s website, focuses on supporting urban regeneration and long term job creation in order for both the town and the port to have a sustainable future. It details existing port assets and capabilities and the opportunities to deliver lasting economic growth.
Newhaven Port and its facilities already supports the employment of more than 500 people – the equivalent of 10% of the local working population. NPP believes that by implementing the five key strategic objectives that are set out in the Masterplan there is the potential to attract up to 750 new jobs to the area over the next 5 to 10 years.
The five key strategic objectives of the Newhaven Port Masterplan are to:
- Maintain the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry route and increase utilisation whilst improving the customer experience through a sensitive re-development of the Railway Quay area, making it an extension of, and complementary to, Newhaven town centre;
- Invest in infrastructure to establish a clean technology and renewable energy business cluster, building on the success of existing local businesses and the current opportunities in off shore wind;
- Increase the volume of international trade through the port with a focus on future growth areas such as renewable energy supplies;
- Invest in infrastructure for the continued development of the fishing and leisure marine sectors; and
- Enhance the natural marine environment by establishing a public access conservation area on port land.
In support of the five objectives, the Port Masterplan sets out NPP’s proposals for the sub-areas of the Port. These proposals include for the East Quay to become a centre for trade and offshore wind; the Railway Quay to provide tourism, leisure and retail facilities; the North Quay to be used for cargo and waste recycling; the West Quay to centre on fishing and marine leisure; and for the Tide Mills to include an ecological conservation centre.
Detailed proposals for the regeneration of the Railway Quay area have already been brought forwards and a planning application submitted by Arrowcroft and a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Scotland.
NPP sees the proposals in the Port Masterplan as bringing significant benefits to the town, its residents and businesses, and the local environment. It has already invested heavily in the port and is now in the midst of a further £3m programme of improvements, including around £0.4m for new marine leisure boating facilities; around £1.3m for the fishing industry; and around £1m for the maintenance and improvement of waterways.
Patrick Jeanne, NPP Chairman, says “Newhaven Port is the heart and soul of Newhaven. We are very aware that regeneration of Newhaven must start with, and be led by, regeneration of the Port. Our focus is therefore on building on economic activity in Newhaven, supporting new industries such as offshore wind, and creating jobs to reinvigorate the town with the Port at its centre. We are very proud of the Masterplan and the vision it sets out, which will help to secure a prosperous future for Newhaven.”
NPP is working closely with East Sussex County Council, Lewes District Council, Newhaven Town Council, and Norman Baker, MP to bring forwards a broader regeneration plan for Newhaven, which has the regeneration of the port and the riverside at its centre. At a meeting in December convened by Norman Baker, the three Councils and NPP adopted the 5 key strategic priorities set out in the Port Masterplan and agreed to work together to implement them.
The masterplanning process began in 2009, when a team of consultants was appointed by NPP. Following an extensive series of surveys, assessments and stakeholder engagement sessions, the final PMP was launched this week. NPP is currently in the process of planning a programme that will inform and engage the town in delivery of the PMP and its objectives. Details of this programme will be released soon.
The Port Masterplan can be viewed via: http://www.newhavenportauthority.co.uk/port-masterplan.html
The proposals for Railway Quay can be viewed via: http://railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Topham at Brandcast Media
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/ 07818 050237
Alan Banks at TB Partners
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/07785 366 362 |
