Lewes District Council secures pathfinder pilot status

Lewes District Council has secured a place on a national pilot scheme that allows the council a more flexible approach to how it uses £37 million in government funding allocations.

Lewes District Council is one of only 10 local authorities nationally that has been invited onto the pilot.  It consolidates the Future High Streets Fund, Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund capital funding programmes being delivered in Newhaven.

Most significantly, with a main contractor now appointed, the announcement accelerates updated proposals for Newhaven Square. This includes the relocation of two doctor's surgeries to new healthcare facilities and the expansion of Wave Active facilities at Seahaven Swim & Fitness to support the rehabilitation of patients and promotion of healthier, more active lifestyles.  Space for a new pharmacy and accommodation for a creative hub and start-up businesses are also part of the development.

The work to complete the top external deck of Dacre Road Car Park will now move ahead quickly, with a reopening expected in spring/summer 2024.

In addition to these developments in Newhaven, the council also continues to work with the NHS in Seaford to improve GP facilities.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

"This welcome funding flexibility will unlock our full growth plans in Newhaven and bring a new momentum to a number of very exciting and potentially lifechanging council projects.

"From Newhaven town centre to the edge of sea and everything in between, we have multiple developments that generations of local people will enjoy and greatly benefit from."

The total consolidated grant allocation is £36,991,246.19. 

Other projects completed, underway and planned include - a 3G football pitch at Newhaven Football Club, ferry terminal refurbishment, a new fish landing stage and processing plant, major improvements to two local recreations grounds, the restoration of Newhaven Fort and a new restaurant on West Beach promenade.

Chris Ketley, Chair of Newhaven Town Deal Board, said:

"This is a major step forward and something I have been voicing as a truly efficient way of ensuring the various funding streams available to Newhaven are all managed by the same governance arrangements .

"It represents a joining up of the dots and will enable us to deliver the aggregated projects in a timely, cohesive and more efficient manner."

Published on December 11, 2023.

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