£14m quayside plan unveiled

Sea Containers, which owns the quayside area, will extend its current development towards the marina at a cost of 14 million.

Plans for 105 flats and six retail units have been submitted to Lewes District Council for approval. An artist's impression shows blocks of apartments up to seven stories-high. These will be sold on a leasehold basis.

There will also be an extension to the riverside walk and cycleway, new public access to the marina and an upgraded junction to Fort Road.

If planners give the green light work will start mid-2003 and take four years to complete.

The Mayor of Newhaven, Cllr Dennis Forsdike, welcomed more investment in the town. However, concern has been voiced in the past about how already struggling road and transport links will continue to cope with an expanding town.

The Mayor said: 'The town council will have to consider it's response to this application very carefully because of its importance to the continuing regeneration of the town and also because of its possible impact on the town's infrastructure.'

He urged people to visit the town council offices, in Fort Road to see the plans.

President of Newhaven Chamber of Commerce Graham Amy was pleased shops formed part of the scheme.

He said: 'I am delighted there will be further investment in the marina area and retail outlets forming part of this exciting project.'

The plans underlined Sea Containers long-term commitment to Newhaven, said its director of property services Paul Rann. 'The facilities we are planning will continue our ambitious regeneration of the waterfront area and land surrounding the marina and deliver positive benefits to the whole community.'

The marina, which has 300 berths, was an essential part of the development and continued to attract an increasing numbers of larger yachts thanks to its facilities, including ships chandlery, boat repair, brokerage and club house, he added.

The bid was backed by the Newhaven Economic Partnership. Programme manager Sarah Ireland said: 'The continuation towards the marina is a natural progression, building on the success of West Quay phase one.

'West Quay is already known for its high quality development. Waterfront properties are very popular and the scheme will add to the regeneration transformation taking place in Newhaven.'

Sea Containers began redevelopment of West Quay in 2000 with 66 new houses and flats, and new facilities for fishermen.