£10m skyscraper scheme for port town

A DRAMATIC landmark skyscraper containing offices, apartments and a restaurant will tower over the landscape of Newhaven if planning permission is granted.

The 18-storey building would rise 240ft above the ground and cost 10million. Designer Philip Farmiloe, himself a Newhaven resident, says it is 'significant and challenging - a major development of international scale'.

Brighton-based architect company Sign of Four is now asking planners to give permission for the modern steel and glass building, which would be located on the south side of Bridge Street.

Some of the dilapidated shops and houses on this site have been renovated by Sign of Four since it purchased the land, but it was acquired with residential development in mind.

Part of the site already has outline planning permission for 12 flats, but Mr Farmiloe believes this is 'a poor response to the needs of the area'.

He said: 'As a local resident, I am very keen to use this opportunity to develop the site fully in a way that would alleviate some of the concerns we have all felt about the town in recent years.

'We want to endorse Newhaven's position as a gateway to Britain, providing something on an international scale for visitors to see and experience when they arrive in the town and improving the perception of the area.'

The 65,000sq ft development, currently called 1 Bridge Street, would incorporate a restaurant and leisure terrace on the ground floor, shops, offices, 22 apartments, integral laundry and an underground car park for residents' use.

A new pedestrian walkway linking the High Street to the station and ferry terminal is also included in the plan to help break down the 'town wall'. Fully occupied, the scheme would create an additional community of around 300 people in the town centre.

Mr Farmiloe said the development would spark new activity and vitality in the town and provide urgently-needed homes without using greenfield space.

He said: 'It would send out a message that real investment is taking place in design, quality and commitment to create a townscape that we can all be proud of.

'It would be a vote of confidence in Newhaven's future as a desirable place in which to work and live.'

Sign of Four, an offshoot of Farmiloe Architects, will have its headquarters moved to Newhaven if the scheme goes ahead to demonstrate the company's faith in the future of the town.