March 19 2012.


Following on from last Wednesday's Big Planning Event run by Newhaven Town Council, the Railway Quarter developer, Arrowcroft, has today issued the following statement:


56 out of 60 people (93%) who completed a feedback form about the Railway Quarter scheme at the event said they supported Arrowcroft's proposal. The main areas of support were the improvements it would bring to the appearance of the port area and quayside, Railway Quay's proximity to the town centre and the refurbishment of the listed Marine Workshop and Carpenter's Shop.

The Railway Quarter development includes an improved entrance to the port, a 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.

Importantly, the Railway Quarter development is fully backed by Tesco's and by the landowners, RBS and Newhaven Port. If approved by the Planning Committee in May 2012, this development will be fully built and operational by the end of 2013.

Daniel Carter, Director of Arrowcroft, said: "As with our recent public exhibition at the Railway Club, the feedback we received at the Big Planning Event was very positive. It is very encouraging to see such an excellent turnout to this type of event and to see that Newhaven residents really want to get involved in the future of their town. The majority of people agree that Railway Quarter would kick start the further regeneration of Newhaven. The discussions we've had with local people throughout our engagement exercises have given us some very good ideas of how we can improve our plans and this is where the true value of consultation becomes clear. Because of this, we're confident that the application we will be submitting at the end of this month is truly reflective of the aspirations of the town and port".

At the Big Planning Event, Arrowcroft announced plans for the relocation of the Railway Club to a new building and enhanced position, adjacent to the proposed transport interchange at Newhaven Town Railway Station. Plans were also revealed for a possible hotel use to be located in the refurbished Marine Workshop, which would be used by ferry users and visitors to the town alike. Arrowcroft is inviting ideas for alternative uses for the Marine Workshop from members of the public. Suggested ideas include community uses such as arts and events spaces which would benefit from the quayside location, proximity to the town centre and the frontage onto the riverside boardwalk. Ideas can be submitted to Arrowcroft via the project website www.railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk or by email info@railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk  

Arrowcroft also reiterated that Heads of Terms and Tesco board approval has been signed and received confirming that, should planning permission be granted, Tesco will take up the lease on the food store on completion. Simon Petar, Regional Corporate Affairs Manager at Tesco, said: "We are fully committed to moving into the food store at Railway Quarter should planning consent be granted. We believe the store will bring more choice and value to the Newhaven community."

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.

Capt. Francois Jean, Port Manager, Newhaven Port has stated Newhaven Port and Properties' support for the proposals. Capt. Jean said: "Railway Quarter delivers one of the port's five Key Strategic Priorities, namely supporting an increased utilisation of the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry through a sensitive redevelopment of Railway Quay.

"The proposals deliver all of NPP's main requirements for Railway Quay;  opening up the station forecourt and creating a train/bus/taxi interchange; creating a new ferry terminal building; improving the vehicle stacking facilities and speeding up boarding through the introduction of new gates; bringing the listed Marine Workshops back into use for a variety of civic and private uses; creating a new riverside boardwalk linking the town centre, Denton Island and the Town Station with new shopping and leisure facilities along the river, and bringing major retail and associated parking back to the centre of Newhaven."

The consultation period for Railway Quarter closes on the 20th of March. All comments received on the proposals will be considered before a final planning application is submitted at the end of the month. Even after the consultation has closed, local residents can sign up to receive project updates by e-mail via the website www.railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk  

The development team can also be contacted by e-mail at info@railwayquarternewhaven.co.uk or by post at Railway Quarter, c/o Brandcast Media, 16 - 17 Little Portland Street, London, W1W 8BP.



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