Wonderful - or just a £10m folly?

WOULD a proposed 18-storey skyscraper prove to be the catalyst for Newhaven town centre regeneration - or an unwelcome folly?

This week a bid by Brighton-based developer Sign of Four to build its 'dramatic landmark building' was greeted with a mixture of cautious welcome and disbelief.

The proposed half-acre site in Bridge Street would incorporate 22 new homes as well as office and retail space. Sign of Four says the 10 million development would boost the economy and promote Newhaven as a desirable place to live and work.

But the Mayor of Newhaven, Cllr Dennis Forsdike, said townsfolk had serious doubts.

'Personally, I like the design. Looking at the lay out it is absolutely excellent, but the general opinion of the people I have spoken to is that it is far too big and high and not suitable for Newhaven. It seems to have created quite a lot of discussion in the town.'

However, he added: 'It would clearly give a kick-start to the town's regeneration. People will want to come and see it, especially those arriving in town by ship.'

The tower block would be a blot on the landscape and encourage other high-rise buildings, argued Newhaven farmer Roger Foxwell.

He said: 'It is going to stick out like a major sore thumb and will be out of character with the rest of the town. If they get planning permission it will set a precedent for others. You only have to go to other parts of the country where there are blocks of flats like this dotted around. It is totally out of keeping with the port of Newhaven.'

Environmentalist and chairman of the Castle Hill Conservation Group, Graham Amy, also voiced concerns.

He said: 'I welcome the huge investment that is behind the scheme. However, a one-off building of this size does not fit in with Newhaven's environment. It will have a detrimental affect on the landscape.'

He added: 'I am puzzled by the assumed demand for offices and fear that it may be just another tower block for housing. I am also concerned that there is inadequate car parking space and would personally prefer a much reduced building.

'Will it end up as a white elephant or will it end up as another housing tower block with all the inherent problems they create?'

The development could also pave the way for proposed North Quay incinerator plans, warned Mr Amy.

'If we already have one high building it may weaken the argument against a huge incinerator in Newhaven.'

Kay Deakin, landlady of the Ship Hotel in the High Street, would live in the shadow of the proposed tower.

She said: 'I laughed when I saw it. It is not Newhaven and will look out of place - this is a small town. I am all for new development and work and money for the town, but this is just over the top.'

East Sussex County Council member for Newhaven David Rogers encouraged people to let him know their views.

'This building with its dramatic modern design would be unlike anything Newhaven has ever seen before. Local residents will have to think long and hard whether it would be good for the town, keeping up the momentum of regeneration, and bringing new life to the town centre. Or will its height dominate our town, overshadowing everything else?

'As Newhaven's county councillor, I want to hear people's views and comments.'