News that hundreds of jobs will be created by an improved link to Newhaven Port approved today has been welcomed by the South East Local enterprise Partnership (SELEP).
Creating new jobs
The Government has confirmed £10 million will be added to the £13m committed by East Sussex County Council to the Newhaven Port Access Road scheme.
By allowing direct access into the East Quay area of Newhaven Port, the £23m investment will create 436 jobs, and indirectly support a further 1,430 jobs in and around Newhaven.
Redirecting HGVs from unsuitable roads
The new access will help move HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) away from unsuitable local roads, while also supporting Newhaven 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.
It will take HGVs away from Railway Road and Beach Road, which are unsuitable for the heavy vehicles and will also support Newhaven Enterprise Zone through the unlocking of an additional 80,000 square metres of business space.
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.”
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.
Cllr 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.”
The work announced today is the second phase of the road improvements after the first section was completed in 2015.
New infrastructure to drive growth
It will see a 650 metre road built between the Pargut roundabout and the proposed port roundabout. It will also include a new 122m-long bridge over the Newhaven-Seaford branch line and Mill Creek Canal.
This scheme was included in the Department for Transport’s Port Connectivity Study which has shown that better connections to English ports could help businesses thrive and boost the nation’s economy. The study highlighted that improved road and rail links can provide more effective freight journeys between key economic areas and ports, boosting productivity, lowering costs and giving access to international markets.
Welcoming the news, Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, said: “The success of Newhaven Port and the nearby Enterprise Zone is vital to the economy of East Sussex and the SELEP area.
“This investment will make a major contribution to the port’s operation, support many new jobs strengthen our international trading links and enhance Newhaven by reducing HGVs on other local roads.”