An Eco Port for the 21^st Century (“Back to the Future?”)

NPP are unveiling their Master Plan for their future of Newhaven Port on 23rd June 2011.  The plan has been prepared after months of detailed consultation with port users and all sectors of the local community and public bodies. 

It recognises the significance of the port to the economy of Newhaven, and that the renaissance of the port can be the driver for the economic revival of the town and surrounding area.  At the same time it recognises the necessity to integrate with the surrounding areas, and contains proposals for how an industrial port can link into the town and the adjoining National Country Park.

It proposes to build on the ferry service, which will be maintained and if possible enhanced in the future with two additional crossings, taking up some of the over capacity at Dover and Portsmouth.

However, the port cannot survive on the ferry service alone.  Historically, the port was a busy industrial port providing employment for many of the inhabitants of Newhaven. Sadly it was allowed to decline during the Sea Container years and many of the old trades and activities are no longer economically viable.

The future lies with the industry of the 21^st Century - renewable energy.  The Port is in a unique position to create an Eco Port for the future.

It is actively bidding for the offshore wind farm construction and operations and maintenance work for the Rampion Windfarm and perhaps the West Wight windfarm too.  The Plan provides for the construction of a new heavy lifting quay, which would then be the only facility of this type on the South coast.

It is currently in negotiations with Network Rail, with a view to restoring rail freight to the port, following the example of east coast ports.

It will be actively seeking to attract businesses into the port in the renewable energy field, which can take advantage of the port facilities.

Work has already started on the renaissance of the port.

The current managers of the port have worked hard over the last few years behind the scenes to bring the port up to current maritime standards.

Recent users of the port will have noticed that many of the buildings and infrastructure have been refurbished and improved, and new signage has been installed. Work has started on repairing the river banks and large amounts of money are spent each year to keep the channel at the required depth for commercial shipping.

Work to refurbish the West Quay fishing quays, safeguarding the Newhaven Fishing Fleet and improving the image of the West Quay, began this year and will continue next year. This huge investment has been jointly funded by NPP, the Marine Management Organisation and the European Fisheries Fund – Investing in sustainable fisheries.

Agreement has been reached with RBS the owners of Railway Quay for the refurbishment of the whole length of Railway Quay, which is so visible to the town.  The work is ready to start and is only awaiting the decision of the planners and the licencing authorities.

The port is proposing to work with the new Coast to Capital LEP, which is focussing on new enterprise and export businesses, and is liaising, with ESCC on the proposed new traffic interchange for Newhaven Town Station. The port is also liaising with ESCC and the other ports in the south east that fall within the East Sussex, Kent and Essex LEP.

Consideration is also being given to a project with RBS to rejuvenate Newhaven Harbour Station for the benefit of commuters.

It actively supports the work of Friends of Tide Mills.  Tide Mills were mills driven by the energy created by the tidal rise and fall of the sea, and are one of the earliest known forms of renewable energy.

Back to the Future !!