Multi-purpose hub at UTC ‘could help address employment inequality in Newhaven’

On Thursday (September 24), Lewes District Council’s cabinet approved proposals connected to a project to redevelop the vacant UTC@harbourside building in Newhaven Harbour, bringing it back into use as a “multi-purpose hub”. 

In June the council was provisionally offered £1.3m from the government’s Getting Building Fund to redevelop the building. In August, senior council officers agreed to commit up to £500,000 as match funding.

In a statement released after the meeting, council leader James MacCleary said: “This redevelopment will be fantastic for the future of Newhaven, of which I am a proud resident, breathing new life into this landmark building which is sadly out of use at the moment.  

 “By providing for a number of different uses, we are building in flexibility and ensuring this is a sustainable venture so that each hub can take on additional space or operate with a smaller footprint, as needs arise.”  

During the meeting, cabinet members authorised council offices to acquire the building through a “tailored lease arrangement”.

This is as the current ownership of the UTC building is somewhat complicated, being split into both a head-lease of 999 years and a sub-lease of 250 years. The sub-lease is held by UTC@harbourside, while the headlease is owned by Newhaven Construction Limited.

According to council papers, the redevelopment would create a multi-purpose hub – providing space for a number of different educational, technological, commercial and public service organisations.

Part of the building would be used to offer education and commercial training facilities alongside space for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) working in the marine sector.

It would also provide space for a range of public service and education providers with a central reception area.

There would also be a small number of units available for private commercial rents.

Cllr Zoe Nicholson, deputy council leader, said: “I think one of the things which is most exciting about this is the fact that we might have the opportunity to address the employment inequality that exists in Newhaven, which is really significant for the 18 to 24 group.

“We know nationally the 18 to 24 group will be the hardest hit through Covid-19 and yet there are some wards in Newhaven that have the highest levels of employment inequality in the whole of East Sussex. 

 “I want to make sure we really pay attention to is how do we use this to create sustainable, green and clean employment and training opportunities for that group of people.” 

Major work to renovate the building and create internal spaces for the hubs is expected to start in January 2021 and will take about a year to complete.

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