|
SEEDA Supports Businesses in Newhaven with Planning
Application for New Enterprise Gateway
21 December 2004
 An Enterprise Gateway to encourage business growth and create new jobs in and around Newhaven has moved forward this week with the submission of a planning application by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to develop a business centre.
The application for 2,100 square metres of high quality office and workshop units on a brownfield site at Denton Island has been submitted, on behalf of SEEDA, by their development consultants, Basepoint plc. It follows detailed discussions with site owners, Lewes District Council, and other local regeneration partners.
The project is being managed by Basepoint, the specialist business centre developer and operator, who are one of three companies appointed by SEEDA to design build and operate similar centres across the South East.
The Newhaven Enterprise Gateway building will operate on similar flexible 'easy in, easy out' terms offered at the Gosport Business Centre, a recent and highly successful collaboration of SEEDA and Basepoint that provides workspace and business support to small and start-up businesses.
Development Projects Director of SEEDA, Peter Cusdin commented: "This is an exciting opportunity for new and growing companies in Newhaven to access the business support they need to progress through their successive stages of development. By nurturing young companies, SEEDA is encouraging successful innovative companies and business competitiveness in the region."
The site is in a prime location, situated close to the town centre, and adjoining both the new nursery developed by Newhaven Community Development Association (NCDA) and the Denton Island Training Centre, developed by Sussex Downs College with the aid of SEEDA funding.
Providing forty-four versatile business units in a range of sizes; catering for both start-ups and more established small businesses, the building will be of a high quality sustainable design, and utilises part of the existing foundation slab from a previous site.
The Enterprise Gateway was established in Newhaven in January 2004, with the appointment of Jon Yon as Newhaven Enterprise Gateway Director. He is currently based in the existing Training Centre where professional support in planning, marketing and product development, along with training in management and skills are offered.
Basepoint plc's, Director of Projects, Phil Stansfield said: "After the success of the recent Gosport Business Centre project, Basepoint are delighted to be appointed by SEEDA for this Gateway scheme in Newhaven. We have been impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment shown by local groups who have supported the concept of the Gateway for many years and look forward to delivering a first class centre that will prove a major asset and source of economic growth to the town of Newhaven."
Newhaven Enterprise Gateway Director, Jon Yon commented: "This new facility is a fantastic opportunity for new and developing businesses in and around Newhaven. It builds on the free business support that is currently available and provides the most vulnerable of businesses with an ideal environment to grow and develop their sustainability. Importantly, it will also give these businesses the ability to develop and expand, with the comfort of knowing that they do not have to take on crippling overheads or long-term leases. Of course, they will also benefit by having access to the free long-term business support that the Enterprise Gateway provides."
|
