Shops in Newhaven town centre have benefitted from £84,000 of investment for storefront makeovers over the past year, funded through Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s (NEZ) Town Centre Revitalisation Fund.
The scheme has received 15 applications to date, with four businesses already completing their refurbishments and more due by June 2026, helping to create a more welcoming and vibrant high street for residents, visitors and businesses.
Michelle Connors, programme manager Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) said: “The uptake from town centre businesses has been fantastic and demonstrates how places like Newhaven can shift the narrative around the UK’s struggling high streets.
“Ours is a town full of manufacturing and creative businesses, and they’ve been clear about wanting a high street that reflects their ambition - somewhere to enjoy on lunch breaks or to bring clients.
“As Newhaven continues to welcome new cafés and pubs, enhancing the high street will help create a more inviting environment and drive further growth for the local economy.”
This year NEZ allocated £100,000 to the scheme. Together with programme lead Jeremy Taylor, the team has identified another 30 businesses that could benefit.
Businesses that have already completed their renovations include South Coast Residential, Barwells Solicitors, Christopher Sarson Funeral Director and Newhaven Cards.
Upcoming projects include Dee’s News and Photos, Naomi’s Hair Salon, Bursa Kebabs, Haven Home Loans, Heaven Nails and Newhaven Barbers.
Other businesses planning improvements include The Viceroy, Aforedable Golf, Bodyhaven, the Old Bakery, Newhaven Pet Foods and the Lewes Tap with Pat’s Pizza.
Jeremy Taylor, managing director of The Company Connector, who is delivering the scheme for NEZ said: “We have picked up real momentum and it’s been very rewarding to see the progress made.
“We have also seen that a number of businesses have invested in their shopfronts without a grant, after spotting their neighbouring businesses looking smarter and the works which are underway at the new Health Hub in the town centre.”
Amongst the businesses to sport a refreshed look is the Grade II Listed home of Barwells Solicitors, which has been in the town since 1975. The building, a focal point in the town centre, has been restored sympathetically with the help of Local Conservation Officers’ recommendations and with G.C Building Preservations Ltd.
Barwells highlighted the benefits of being based in Newhaven, including a strong community, local family-run businesses, a fishing community, a working harbour and excellent transport links.
Yvonne Goddard, Barwells premises manager, said: “We are delighted our renovation project has now been completed and we are immensely proud of it.
“We have received excellent support with our application, making the process easy and straight forward.
“The regeneration of the town is developing quickly, which creates great opportunities for future growth and business development.
“We believe that the town’s revitalisation will encourage people to stop off and explore what Newhaven has to offer.”
Independent retailers, landowners and tenants within the Town Centre Enterprise Zone are eligible to apply for grants of up to £7,500 toward commercial shopfront improvements, with a minimum 25% match funding contribution required. Applicants receive support throughout the process, and HNW Architects has produced a design guide to help businesses maximise their impact.
For further information please visit: https://newhavenenterprisezone.com/newhaven-unleashed/town-centre-revitalisation-fund/