New developer to take control of North Street Quarter scheme in Lewes

On Wednesday (December 2), eco-development company Human Nature announced it is in the process of buying the site – which includes the Phoenix Industrial Estate – from both Lewes District Council and North Street Quarter Limited.

In a press statement, the company’s CEO and co-founder Jonathan Smales said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have reached this point and expect to complete the purchase by early February. 

“We’re determined to get on and deliver this important regeneration project for the town, including the long awaited integrated health hub, flood defences, and much needed homes and work-spaces. 

“We will be making good use of the technical information associated with the existing planning consent, however the scheme needs to be redesigned for greater viability, liveability and to be fit to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.

“We intend to move forward at speed, take the site out of limbo and build a neighbourhood that Lewes can be really proud of.”

According to Human Nature, the land purchase is being financed by a number of private investors, all residents of Lewes.

Mr Smales, a former director of Greenpeace, said: “These people really care about the future of Lewes and its wonderful community.”

The sale, although still in process, marks a significant departure from the original plans for the site. 

Back in 2013, Lewes District Council’s leadership resolved to enter into a Land Collaboration Agreement with the site’s majority landowner Santon North Street, which is now known as North Street Quarter Ltd (NSQL).

As part of the agreement, NSQL was to have exclusive rights to undertake the development and appoint a developer.

But with Human Nature set to become the majority landowner, NSQL will no longer maintain any interest in the site or be involved in the delivery of the NSQ scheme. 

As a result, the previous Land Collaboration Agreement no longer applies and Human Nature is not expected to seek a new one. 

As the land can not be developed separately – largely due to the cost of flood defences – Lewes District Council is expected to sell its stake to ensure the viability of the scheme.

The council has not yet agreed to sell its share of the site, although a decision is expected to be made at a cabinet meeting next Thursday (December 10).

While the sale is expected to go ahead, the new developer is likely to review the scheme before work begins on site. This is expected to include redesigns, which are likely to require further planning consent.

Mr Smales said: “There will be challenges in the months ahead, the infrastructure is expensive and we are paying a full commercial price for the land. 

“However, we will aim high and look forward to working closely with the National Park, the councils and organisations across the town in the months ahead, culminating in a major community design event in the Spring 2021.

“In the meantime, we will be contacting all the existing tenants in the coming days to appraise and reassure them regarding the timeline.

“It is our hope that some will be rehoused within the future development and for others, who require more space, we will do our utmost to assist in keeping them in Lewes.”

‘VERY PLEASED’

The move to sell the site to Human Nature has been welcomed by Lewes Phoenix Rising, a group which has been campaigning for sustainable development on the site since 2014.

A spokesman for the group said: “Lewes Phoenix Rising  is very pleased to hear the news that a buyer for the former North Street industrial estate in Lewes has come forward to take on development of the whole site. 

“We are confident that the development will now proceed, supported by a developer, Human Nature, that has a commitment to sustainable development and to generating benefits for our town and wider district. 

“We know that Human Nature has strong links with Lewes and understands the unique characteristics of our town.

“After eight years of campaigning for the right development on North Street, we look forward to engaging with Human Nature and other stakeholders in Lewes to identify how this site can help to meet Lewes’ needs at a time of climate crisis and huge economic challenge.

“We will work to ensure that proposals for the site meet Lewes’ expectation for a genuinely sustainable development, with a wide range of homes, jobs and services for our town, including genuinely affordable housing and workspace.”