March 5 2012.
Over 200 people attended a public exhibition held by Arrowcroft last week on plans to develop Railway Quarter, a mixed-use development on Land at Railway Quay, Newhaven.
As part of an extensive public consultation exercise for the Railway Quarter scheme, which began in December 2011, the exhibition held at the Railway Club last Wednesday gave Newhaven residents and stakeholders an opportunity to view plans, meet the project team and provide feedback on the proposed scheme.
Of the 230 who attended the exhibition, 82 people completed a comment form. 83% said they support the plans for Railway Quarter; and 82% said they thought that the development would benefit Newhaven.
The Railway Quarter development includes an improved entrance to the port, a brand new ferry terminal building and improved passenger and freight vehicle stacking facilities, the restoration of the vacant listed workshop buildings, a new public riverside boardwalk and moorings. A new foodstore, providing approximately 350 new jobs, will be built alongside the river. Improved parking facilities and a new transport interchange and bicycle racks are also included, providing a better connection to the town centre and a new, attractive setting for Newhaven Town Railway Station.
Daniel Carter, Director of Arrowcroft, said "We were delighted with the turnout to the exhibition and the positive reaction we received to the proposal. It is clear that the residents of Newhaven want the area to be revitalized and for other peoples' perceptions of the town to improve. The feedback we've received will help us develop our plans further and create a scheme that truly reflects the aspirations of the town and port".
The redevelopment of Railway Quay is one of five strategic priorities laid out in the Port Masterplan issued in January, and is critical to enable delivery of the Port and the region's regeneration plans. The regeneration of Newhaven Port as a catalyst for the broader regeneration of Newhaven has been well received by East Sussex County Council, Lewes District Council and Newhaven Town Council as well as Norman Baker MP.
Arrowcroft are keen to address a few common queries which were raised at the exhibition:
Railway Club
A number of attendees asked about the implications of the development on the Railway Club. Discussions have been held over the past few months with the Railway Club committee to determine potential locations for a new purpose-built facility. This is still to be finalized, but it is Arrowcroft's intention to include new premises for the Railway Club in its final plans for Railway Quarter.
Employment opportunities during the construction period
The development will provide the opportunity for a wide range of local employment and business opportunities in line with the local Economic Activity policy. Arrowcroft is keen to award construction contracts to local firms wherever possible.
The need for a foodstore
Arrowcroft is aware of the other schemes currently being brought forward in Newhaven which also include a foodstore. The foodstore at Railway Quarter would provide Newhaven residents with more choice and increase competition. Its position close to the town centre (across the swing bridge), plus the inclusion of 371 parking spaces, would also encourage linked trip to other shops and services in the town centre. It also helps to make the other elements of the scheme financially viable.
The consultation period will remain open until the 20th of March. All comments will be considered before a final planning application is submitted at the end of March. Local residents can sign up to project updates on the website
www.railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk, and anyone who could not attend the exhibition can also use the website to view the boards and submit comments online.
The development team can also be contacted by email on info@railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk or by post at Railway Quarter, c/o Brandcast Media, 16 - 17 Little Portland Street, London, W1W 8BP.
Visit the Arrowcroft website for more information: www.railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk