Shipping containers and geodomes to make up new Newhaven community hub

On Wednesday (December 16), Lewes District Council planners are expected to consider an application to create a community space on land between the Railway Club and the UTC building by installing up to 10 timber-clad shipping containers on site. 

According to the application, which from Lewes District Council itself, the shipping containers would be converted into buildings providing tourist information and refreshments.

In a report to be considered by the committee, a council planning spokesman said: “This scheme will form part of the regeneration of Newhaven and was approved by the Newhaven Town Funds Board, which also enabled a £500k capital grant to be obtained to support the site’s development.

“The Newhaven Town Funds Board included representatives from Newhaven Town Council, Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, and a number of key community organisations such as the Newhaven Port Authority.”

Initially, only five containers will be installed on site, with two bolted together to form a refreshment building. Two separate containers will be used as “Active Transport Hubs” and a with a final standalone single providing tourist information.

Three “geodomes” will then be erected to cover an area of decking between the containers.

Further containers may be placed on the site in future, which would act as workshop space.

It is thought the buildings would remain on site for five years, the application says.

For further information on the proposals see application reference LW/20/0702 on the Lewes District Council website.