£19.3 Extra Government Investment Offered To Newhaven

The team leading the bid to the government for Newhaven regeneration funds have heralded today's (July 15) £19.3 million funding award as a ‘landmark moment’ in the history of the town. 

According to the Town Deal Board, the successful proposal focused on five core themes:

• a thriving and vital 'southern gateway' for the UK,
• 'celebrating the energy of industry',
• valuing creative freedom,
• 're-imagining' the town centre as a focus for community life,
• making the most of the town’s maritime heritage.

Councillor James MacCleary, Leader of Lewes District Council and local councillor, is part of the Town Deal Board that submitted the investment plan to government which secured the multi-million windfall.

He said:

“Newhaven is a wonderful town that is bursting with potential.

"We all want to see the town get the attention it deserves.

"This is undoubtedly a landmark moment for Newhaven and one that builds on the success we’ve had for attracting other funding recently.

“I would like to thank my colleagues on the Town Deal Board and council officers who together ensured our bid showcased exactly why Newhaven has so much untapped potential.

“This fund will be making a difference across the town. I have two young children who will be growing up here so it is exciting for me personally to know that we’re investing in their futures and those of everyone growing up in our town.”

In accordance with the government’s funding criteria, council officers will now prepare and submit a detailed business case for each project in Newhaven.  

The government will then scrutinise the plans prior to releasing the funds.

This process could take up to 12 months to complete for some of the development proposals.

Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, added:

“The Town Deal board, led by Chris Ketley and supported by Peter Sharp and his team from the council, have worked with us to secure this government funding which will finally see the regeneration the town has needed for decades.

“We are already seeing the green shoots take off with the opening of the Range store in the town and the improvements taking place at the entrance to the port.

"This shows by putting party politics aside and working together we can achieve great results and there is more to come with future bids to the government for Newhaven.” 

The Town Deal Board is chaired by Chris Ketley, a partner at local chartered accountants Knill James LLP and also includes Councillor MacCleary, Maria Caulfield MP, Baroness Whitaker, Councillor Zoe Nicholson and representatives from Newhaven Town Council, East Sussex County Council, the Greater Brighton Economic Board, South East Local Enterprise Partnership, Newhaven Enterprise Zone, central government, community, education and business representatives.