The Newhaven Enterprise Zone has welcomed the news that that the Newhaven Port Access road scheme will be supported by £10 million from the Coast to Capital Local Growth Fund via a Department for Transport retained scheme.
The road will upkeep the port's vital role in transporting goods both internationally and around the UK and will support the local economy in Newhaven and the wider East Sussex area.
A total of £23 million has been invested in the project which will allow direct access into the East Quay area of Newhaven Port, and will help create 436 jobs and indirectly support a further 1,430. It will take HGVs away from Railway Road and Beach Road, which are unsuitable for the heavy vehicles and will also support the Newhaven Enterprise Zone through the unlocking of an additional 80,000 square metres of business space. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use a new cycleway and path alongside the new road.
The works are due to start shortly and are scheduled to be completed in February 2020.
Steve Allen, Coast to Capital Vice Chairman and Chair of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone Strategy Board said:
"Working in partnership with Lewes District Council, the Newhaven Enterprise Zone looks to address issues of business space, affordability and suitability which are key issues for the Greater Brighton economy, and act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Newhaven. This funding supports the delivery of our Gatwick 360 strategy by championing Urban Centres such as Newhaven as significant economic assets for our area."
Cllr Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District Council said:
"I'm pleased to see that Government has recognised the importance of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone to delivering lasting regeneration for residents and business in Newhaven. The construction of the Port Access Road will unlock significant new business space in the town, creating jobs for local people and supporting delivery of Lewes District Council's wider regeneration ambitions for Newhaven."
Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani said:
"Newhaven Port was one of my first visits as Maritime Minister and that is why I am delighted that we are investing in improvements to the road connections between our key economic areas and our ports. This scheme will reduce the number of lorries on currently busy local roads - making life easier for others using the roads. The new access road will create hundreds of new jobs, while also supporting the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, further boosting the local economy."
Councillor Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said:
"We very much welcome approval of the government funding which means we can now bring this scheme to fruition. The road will create a direct access to the East Quay and is a key part of our plan for the economic regeneration of Newhaven. It will be a catalyst for growth and for the creation of much-needed jobs for people in Newhaven and the surrounding area."
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