November 2 2011

New jobs, businesses and infrastructure - that is the potential future for Newhaven if the proposed scheme by Arrowcroft and West Register/RBS for Newhaven's Railway Quay goes ahead, according to Newhaven's MP, Norman Baker.

Norman has heralded a "potentially bright new future for Newhaven", following the submission of an outline planning application to Lewes District Council for a mixed use development on the land at the Railway Quay, which will "regenerate Newhaven's Railway Quarter".

If the scheme goes ahead, the residents of Newhaven can expect the scheme to: restore the listed Marine and Carpenter's workshops for restaurants, cafes, shops, civic uses and tourist facilities; provide a new riverside boardwalk; improve facilities for ferry users, including a new welcoming departure and entry point, and a filling station; provide a new food store and car parking; provide a new transport interchange.

The application comes just months after Newhaven Ports and Properties produced its broadly welcomed Port Master Plan which sets the direct for an "eco port", which could harness the government's investment in renewable energy and become a construction hub for Rampion Windfarm.

It also comes as the local MP has taken steps to organise a high level stakeholder meeting to discuss the future regeneration of the town, which will take place in early December.

Norman said: "Newhaven has had a tough time in recent years with East Sussex County Council pushing ahead with the construction of the incinerator, despite huge local opposition. However, I have always believed that the town has great potential and it is about time that Newhaven received the right sort of investment, the type of investment that can create jobs, businesses and better infrastructure. Things are looking positive."