FI Property Group takes control of Shoreham Cement Works: ‘fresh start’ for Sussex brownfield regeneration site
FI Property Group has announced it has taken control and management of Shoreham Cement Works.
The Chorley-based company made the announcement on Saturday, July 18, saying that the move marks ‘a significant new chapter’ for the brownfield regeneration site.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report was recently submitted to the South Downs National Park Authority as part of the process working towards a future planning application. An EIA Scoping Report aims to identify environmental issues that must be addressed in an application.
The mostly vacant cement works on Shoreham Road, Upper Beeding, dates back to the 19th century and stopped producing cement in 1991. It has been allocated for development under the emerging Local Plan.
Tim Knowles, founder and managing director of FI Property Group, said: “With control and management of Shoreham Cement Works, we are now focused on delivering the next phase of the project.
“The site has had a difficult history, with progress stopping and starting over a number of years. We believe this is an opportunity for a fresh start under clear leadership of an experienced developer with a strong track record of delivering complex regeneration projects.
“For more than 40 years, FI Property Group has planned, designed, built and managed developments across the UK. As a self-delivery developer, we have the experience to take projects from planning through to construction and long-term management.
“Our aim is to bring forward a landscape-led, environmentally sensitive scheme that respects the site’s industrial heritage and location within the South Downs National Park. We look forward to working closely with the local community, stakeholders and the South Downs National Park Authority as plans develop.”
FI Property Group said it wants to bring forward a new vision for the site while delivering long-term regeneration benefits. The group said it aims to engage with local communities during the planning process and said a public consultation on the emerging proposals is expected to take place this year. Residents and stakeholders will be able to review and comment on emerging plans before a planning application is formally submitted to the South Downs National Park Authority.
FI Property Group is one of the UK’s largest privately owned commercial property and regeneration businesses. The company manages more than 15 million square feet of commercial space across the UK. Visit figroup.co.uk to find out more.