From left to right: Stephen Honey, executive officer at Newhaven Town Council, Nick Stockman, Newhaven creative producer at Towner Eastbourne, Sam Smithson, business liaison and development manager at Experience Sussex, Councillor Johnny Denis (Green Party Councillor for Ouse Valley and Ringmer Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Leisure Lewes District Council), Anna Salmon, Funding Programme Delivery Manager at Lewes District Council, Katherine Beer, development manager at Experience Sussex, Michelle Connors, business engagement officer at Newhaven Enterprise Zone and Jo Williams, manager at Experience Sussex. Credit: Peter Cripps.
A new working group has been launched with a £100,000 investment from the Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) to boost tourism and grow the town’s visitor economy, with £50,000 to be delivered over the first 12 months.
The Newhaven Tourism Working Group brings together representatives from Newhaven Town Council and Lewes District Council, alongside partners including Experience Sussex, Wave Active, DFDS, Tates of Sussex and Towner Eastbourne.
The group aims to nurture a more collaborative visitor economy in Newhaven and will deliver a new Coastal Tourism Action Plan, setting out ambitious goals to strengthen Newhaven’s visitor offer, as part of the wider Sussex Visitor Economy Strategy for Growth.
Priorities include promoting outdoor activities, showcasing the town’s coastal and South Downs setting and encouraging ferry passengers to spend more time exploring Newhaven. The group will build on the regeneration already taking place, from the increase in independent cafés and pubs in the town to its growing arts scene.
Michelle Connors, business engagement officer at Newhaven Enterprise Zone, said: “Tourism has a vital role to play in Newhaven’s future. By developing a stronger visitor offer and encouraging more people to spend time here, we can support local businesses and help drive long-term growth.
“It’s another step towards our goal of transforming Newhaven into a major contributor to the Sussex economy by 2030.”
The Newhaven Tourism Working Group sees an opportunity to tap into key trends shaping the tourism sector, including a growing demand for sustainable travel options and eco-conscious experiences and outdoor activities like walking and cycling.
Jo Williams, manager at Experience Sussex, said: “We’re excited to be working in Newhaven, where there’s a growing visitor offer to build on. With the reopening of Newhaven Fort, the West Beach development, the arrival of a new tourist information centre and gallery and a vibrant riverside café scene, there’s a real sense of momentum.
“Newhaven is well placed to make the most of coastal and active travel markets – from England’s Coastal Path to the Avenue Verte cycle route – as well as the expanding cultural sector, supported by partners like Towner Eastbourne and Newhaven Enterprise Zone.
“There’s a clear opportunity to encourage ferry passengers to spend more time in Newhaven before or after they travel and amplify its position as an international gateway for Sussex and Europe.”
Councillor Kim Bishop, Mayor of Newhaven, said: “We’re delighted to support the launch of the Newhaven Tourism Working Group and welcome the £100,000 funding from the Newhaven Enterprise Zone.
“Our executive officer Stephen Honey is a member of the group, aiming to grow our visitor economy to support job creation and benefit local businesses.
“With its stunning natural surroundings, powerful sense of community, excellent transport links and ongoing regeneration, Newhaven is ripe for inward investment.”
To find out more, please visit: newhavenenterprisezone.com