Latest news

1. There are 10+ Regeneration projects being completed up to 2026. We've updated and mapped them all here: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/

2. Our Frequently Asked Questions section (FAQs) should provide at least one answer you have been seeking e.g. what is happening in the town centre? https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/faq

3. You will see in the above how we have listened to you and you can also read the results of your surveys on the site. 

You can still email yournewhaven@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk if you still have unanswered questions and/or points to make. These emails go directly to our Regeneration team.

Look Again Supergraphics Festival - June 2024

This June, there will be a month of events, workshops, walks and community gatherings programmed to accompany 12 specially-commissioned artworks that will be installed across the town. 

Visit https://www.lookagainnewhaven.co.uk/ for more information and to follow the festival. 

View the results here: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/results-from-west-quay-budgeting-tool/step1

We have tried to provide as much information as possible but if you do have any questions, please do email us: yournewhaven@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

Residents and local children are being asked their views on what improvements they would like at four play areas in Lewes district.

Lewes District Council has launched public consultations for Valley Dip Play Area in Seaford, Hillcrest Court in Newhaven, Malling Rec in Lewes and Stanley Turner Ground, also in Lewes. The consultations run until Friday, August 25th.

Views given in these surveys will help inform what new equipment will be installed there.

To take part in the consultation for any of these four play areas, visit makingadifferenceinlewesdistrict.com

Councillor Wendy Maples, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, said: “As part of our commitment to improving the lives of residents, we are investing £400,000 into upgrading play areas across Lewes district.

“We want people who use them to help shape these transformations so please use this opportunity to have your say on your local play area.”

Thank you to everyone who attended on Monday for our open discussion - Murals in Newhaven?

We're extremely grateful that Chris Dixon (Ashford Borough Council) came to explain and answer questions about Ashford Unframed (Mural Festival 2023).

It was a beautiful summer evening and we have had lots of great feedback from attendees.

As well as discussing Ashford's project, residents had lots to say about the potential for murals to be included in as part of the public realm improvement project which is being co-funded by the Future High Streets Fund and Newhaven Town Deal: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/re-connecting-our-town/step1

This is your last chance to respond and / or share the Budgeting Tool for West Quay: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/budgeting-for-west-quay/step1

We want to know what you think most needs attention on the West Quay (an area being prioritised for the public realm improvement project).

West Quay is already really popular and is of course home to our local fishing fleet and RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Anything we do along this route should make it a better place for residents and visitors to spend time, walk, cycle, talk and be merry. Happy Budgeting!

So we have an idea of how many of you wonderful people are coming please, reserve your spot on our Eventbrite here

Meet at Fort Road Rec at 11am. Full details here: GB/proposals/clean-up-newhaven-community-litter-pick/step1

Everyone was treated to hot drinks and delicious cake at Newhaven Cricket Pavilion last time and we're doing the same again this time!

Lots of you have already told us how you would like to see money spent along West Quay Riverside Walk. If you haven't already submitted your budget, please do so and also share with others.

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/budgeting-for-west-quay/step1

It is only take a few minutes to complete this quick and interactive budgeting exercise and it will helps shape the future of West Quay for residents and visitors.

Your supplementary comments also help explain why you have prioritised certain items so please don't feel these are not going to be read and factored in as well - it really helps.

Thanks again

Guy

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/clean-up-newhaven-community-litter-pick/step1

We know that weekdays are work days for most - the next litter pick will be on a weekend in June (to be confirmed) and we'll be tackling McKinley Way.

West Quay Budgeting Tool

Lots of you have already told us how you would like to see money spent along West Quay Riverside Walk. If you haven't already submitted your budget, please do so and also share with others.

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/budgeting-for-west-quay/step1

It is only take a few minutes to complete this quick and interactive budgeting exercise and it will helps shape the future of West Quay for residents and visitors.

Your supplementary comments also help explain why you have prioritised certain items so please don't feel these are not going to be read and factored in as well - it really helps.

Thanks again

Guy

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/clean-up-newhaven-community-litter-pick/step1

Lots of you have already told us how you would like to see money spent along West Quay Riverside Walk but...

There are currently just shy of 650 subscribers to Your Newhaven, and counting . There are over 13,000 residents in Newhaven.

If you haven't already submitted your budget, please do so and also share with others.

It is only take a few minutes to complete this quick and interactive budgeting exercise and it will helps shape the future of West Quay for residents and visitors.

Your supplementary comments also help explain why you have prioritised certain items so please don't feel these are not going to be read and factored in as well - it really helps.

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/budgeting-for-west-quay/step1

Thanks as ever

Guy

It has been great to hear so many people say they are joining us on Saturday 11th March for a litter pick: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/clean-up-newhaven-community-litter-pick/step1

You can read each others suggestions for more locations to hit (we've asked a few quick questions on the event page if you hadn't noticed). We'll also be there to talk about your ideas for more events and initiatives like this on the day.

To answer a question that has cropped up - we do expect people to go to various locations , there isn't a strict route to stick to but please do read the guidance to make sure you are safe.

We have also now posted on Eventbrite - if you can sign up then it helps us know roughly how many people are coming: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-newhaven-tickets-559502636447

There will be plenty of extra equipment and refreshments as we don't expect everyone who is coming to have booked a ticket on Eventbrite (completely free). We're estimating around 50-100 which would be brilliant!

https://newhavengreencentre.com/

Thank you to Newhaven Green Centre CIC who are kindly promoting the litter pick. If you didn't know, they a newly formed organisation aiming to make it easy for people to live ‘greener’ lifestyles and save money at the same time.

They are have organised for Neil Peters, Community Recycling Engagement Officer (Lewes District & Eastbourne Borough Councils) to give a presentation and talk to help us all understand how our recycling system works and how best to use it. See you there!

The Hillcrest Centre, 6.30pm. Bay Vue Road Hillcrest Community Centre, BN9 9L. Admission Free.

Finally, a reminder that we are asking you how the West Quay river walk could be improved for visitors and residents to enjoy. It only takes a few minutes and uses a fun budgeting tool (you have £150,000 to play with).

Some great insight and ideas and already coming in, but make sure you don't miss the opportunity to contribute and share the tool with others!

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/budgeting-for-west-quay/step1

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/clean-up-newhaven-community-litter-pick/step1

You can also tell us about other areas you would like to see cleaned up (or the areas you already litter pick - Newhaven has lots of amazing volunteers already!) Thank you.

Our budgeting tool allows you to inform design and spend as part of the Newhaven Town Deal: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/budgeting-for-west-quay/step1

West Quay is already really popular and is of course home to our local fishing fleet and RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Anything we do along this route should make it a better place for residents and visitors to spend time, walk, cycle, talk and be merry. Happy Budgeting!

11/03/23 Clean Up Newhaven (Community Litter Pick) - from the Sidings to Fort Road Recreation Ground

In other but very related news, we are busy finalising the details for a litter pick on Saturday 11th March. We would love to see you, your friends and family (and perhaps a few dogs), so please pencil in the date if you can.

It's a great opportunity to come together and give the area a good spring clean. We'll also be able to answer any questions you might have in person and have a good chat about all things Newhaven.

Newhaven Cricket Club are going to have the tea urns ready for us at Fort Road Recreation Ground as well.

Watch this space for full details next week.

Youth Survey Resultscan be viewed here: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/results-from-youth-survey/step1

Enjoy, and don't forget to share them with others.

Safe Spaces Map - keep pinning those comments to the community map created to tell us about the places you safe, or unsafe, in Newhaven:

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/map/newhaven-safe-spaces

Coming very soon...

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/map/newhaven-safe-spaces

Still unsure if we'll be doing anything in response?

Everyone should be able to feel safe visiting any area of Newhaven – results so far show that there is a lot more that can be done to help achieve this and more questions to ask.

That's why we’ve launched our Newhaven Safe Spaces map so we can get an even better understanding of where and why you feel safe, or unsafe in particular places.

Many points on the map are part of already funded projects. Our shared Spatial Masterplan and wayfinding project is particularly relevant: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/proposals/re-connecting-our-town/step2

Map of Funded Projects

View all funded projects on the homepage / 'Activity Hub'

Results for West Quay Car Park Consultation: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/results-from-west-quay-car-park-consultation/step1

Results for Place Survey: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/results-from-place-survey/step1

It has been really interesting and useful to read and share your answers, and even more satisfying being able to now share the reports with you in a visual way.

As anticipated, you're spelling out that there are well-used and loved spaces in Newhaven and areas which require attention.

We are going to be sharing news at the end of the week on how to use our newly launched, interactive heatmap which will let us know even more about areas of Your Newhaven that you feel safe in, and those you don't.

Finally, please share this newsletter with someone you know who lives, works or visits Newhaven…even if they haven't contributed yet.

Thank you again for helping to make Newhaven even more special.

If you have any questions or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you by email: yournewhaven@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/people-health-wellbeing/step1

Our first ten winners have all been notified and have been enjoying their prizes around town, including lunch at The Hope and a floristry class with Clare Smith on the High Street. Congrats to all.

We will be picking the next ten winners out of the hat on Halloween (31st October), which will also be the final day of our Young Newhaven survey.

We've even added a bonus Halloween treat - be the one who shares the link with them, and they might return the favour with cake!

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/young-newhaven/step1

The results of all surveys to date are being analysed and will be shared in early November but we won't just be sharing the results...

We'll be explaining exactly how they'll be used to inform what we do next.

'Watch this space' and enjoy the autumn foliage in the meantime!

Yes, the majority of the grounds are used by local clubs but there is also the scouts hut, and Shakespeare Hall - which has a children’s nursery operating in it, and of course the skatepark and pump track behind it. There’s ongoing consultation with these existing users to make sure they’re supported but we’re also trying to find out what else would work. That’s why we’re also paying close attention to Your Newhaven and having lots of conversations. The Health and Wellbeing Survey even includes a question about favourite sports which is giving us some good information already Have Your Say Today - People: Health & Wellbeing - Your Newhaven (commonplace.is)

What about play equipment (I like a good swing on the monkey bars)?

The children’s play areas and gym equipment will be updated as part of the overall project improvements – equipment design has really moved on, which means the new play area will be an exciting destination to visit. Making Shakespeare Hall more than it is now, is also high priority – there should be lots of activity but also space to relax and pause too – improving seating and updating the green areas with attractive, sustainable planting will make a big difference and we can design out some of the current issues through this.

Quite a big list! How much will all that cost then?

There are lots of different options and as you can imagine, we’re thinking how to best use the money which has been allocated in our Town Deal, especially in light of rising costs. It is also why we’re trying not to flesh out initial plans too visually, at this stage, as it can be misleading in the long run. Although it might seem like there’s not much going on at the surface, there’s a lot of care and thought going into the whole design process. We are working closely with Architects and Landscape Architects to make sure that the project as a whole will suit the needs of all the users.

Final question – antisocial behaviour…

There is no magic wand, but I’ve seen the change that can take place through investment. I’ve worked in some tough areas in the past, in parks that felt unsafe and unloved. Fort Road and Newhaven has a lot going for it already in comparison, and I’m excited for its future.

Learn more about secured investment here: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/an-active-community/step1

Visit https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/

Place: Outdoor & Recreational Space - Which do you spend time in? How can they be improved?

West Quay Car Park - Further consultation on proposed new entrance.

Complete survey now

Be one of the first to see these exciting new plans and learn how we can reshape the public realm together: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/proposals/re-connecting-our-town/step2

West Quay Car Park

Do you support proposals for an additional entrance to / exit from West Quay Car Park to be developed on Chapel Street?

Open for comment until 31st August

https://yournewhaven.comonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/west-quay-car-park/step1

Place: Outdoor Recreational and Communal Space

How satisfied are you with the public outdoor spaces you spend time in?

Open for comment until 31st August

https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/place-outdoor-recreational-and-communal-space/step1

Come for coffee and speak to us at the Sidings

Wednesdays 1-3pm

Fridays & Sundays 9-11am

We'll also be at the Sidings for BN9 Sea Magic on 20th August. See you there? https://18hours.org.uk/bn9-sea-magic/

The Fort is a fantastic community asset that needs to be retained and it can also play a key part in helping Newhaven become a more a popular visitor destination. Funding is essential in order for safety and environmental improvements, repairs and restorations to take place but a large proportion of funding will also be used to make the visitor experience even better and to breathe life back into currently inactive parts of the Fort. We’ll also be making it much more accessible for community events. You can learn more about the project here: https://yournewhaven.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/newhaven-fort-enhancements/step1

What challenges are you facing?

In terms of the project, we’re progressing well but rising material and construction costs are a factor. We’re not alone in this of course. Wave Leisure also operate sport and leisure facilities across the district, as many readers will know. Since the pandemic, recruitment has become a real challenge, not just for Wave but across the Leisure Sector. We’re really struggling to recruit into a number of key roles, for example, swimming instructors and lifeguards which has a knock-on effect on class provision and timetables for our customers. Also, we’ve all been hit very hard with the increase in utility charges, operating swimming pools is a costly exercise made all the more costly through the recent price increases. Staff vacancies can be viewed at: https://www.waveleisure.co.uk/current-vacancies/

Finally, tell me a fun fact about the Fort

The Fort was designed by 22-year-old Lieutenant John Charles Ardagh of the Royal Engineers and construction began in 1862. It took ten years and 6 million bricks to complete. The Fort is a fascinating feat of engineering and we’re aiming to work with local educational institutions to inspire budding young engineers and generally make this an interesting and interactive feature while it all takes place over the next few years.

Plan your visit to Newhaven Fort: https://www.newhavenfort.org.uk/

We'll also be speaking directly to project leads so you can better understand the exciting project which are receiving funding from central government and the multiple opportunities they present. This includes work taking place in Newhaven Square (Re-imagining Newhaven) , a Public Realm and Wayfinding Programme which will better connect areas of the town ( Re-connecting Our Town ) and further investment into Fort Road Recreation Ground ( An Active Community ).

We will never bombard you with emails and hope you agree that this is a really important step to take together, providing a proper space for influencing the future of the town. We are all dealing with an onslaught of demands on our time and attention but this can involve everyone in what is surely a pivotal time in the history of Newhaven.

Guy McQueen (Regeneration Project Manager)