More berths for marina

MORE berths are to be created at Newhaven Marina to meet increasing demand from yacht owners.

An area to the north of the marina will be dredged to make way for 62 extra berths, bringing its total to 300. The work will start early autumn and is expected to last about a month.

Marina manager John Stirling said the harbour had welcomed increasing numbers of larger yachts which were attracted by revamped facilities including ships chandlery, boat repair, brokerage and club house.

'Our reputation has grown tremendously and we are delighted to be able to offer these much-needed extra berths as we have been operating at full capacity for a considerable time. The Marina has become an established focus of attention in the town,' he said.

Within the last few years Newhaven's harbour area has undergone a transformation with two new year-round conventional ferries, as well as the Hoverspeed seasonal fast ferry, and the 11 million redevelopment of West Quay.

Once run-down areas now boast public open spaces, walk and cycle ways, new houses and flats, and state of the art facilities for fishermen, including a fish market, processing plant and workshops.

It is hoped all these changes will boost the town's regeneration after years of neglect. It is estimated that a boat owner spends an average of 5,000 each year within the area of his or her mooring. On that basis alone, Newhaven's economy could be in line for a share of more than 300,000 from the new berths.

Mr Stirling said: 'There are definite signs Newhaven is moving up.'