The 15- acre North Street Quarter development has concluded all the legal requirements following planning that was granted in December 2015. The way is now clear for preparatory work to start on the site.
The majority of the buildings in the first phase of the development are now vacant with the remaining few occupiers moving into their new premises next year. A number of the tenants are moving into premises which are being constructed for them at Malling Brooks Industrial Estate.
In the next few weeks, extensive heritage and archaeological surveys will be carried out in the now vacant buildings. Once the surveys have been completed, demolition of the existing buildings will begin in the autumn.
The first phase of the North Street Quarter development is scheduled to be completed in 2019. It will bring considerable assets to the town, including:
- 243 of the 416 houses (of which 40% (165) are affordable homes
- A new health centre serving 26,000 patients
- A public car park with 330 spaces
- A business/retail extension of Market Street for creative industries
The scheme will also carry out extensive works on the River Ouse, which runs alongside part of North Street Quarter. Flood defences to protect both this area and the Pells will be constructed. As well as completing the town’s flood defences, the development will create new public access to the river with a footbridge and a riverside promenade on two levels. This will provide Lewes with a new and unique riverside leisure area, for residents and visitors to enjoy.
North Street Quarter’s owners, Santon North Street and Lewes District Council, have taken great care to ensure the development is sympathetically designed to complement the character and heritage of Lewes and its industrial past.
Clive Wilding, Director of Santon North Street, said: “North Street Quarter represents a £180m investment in Lewes and is providing the town with much needed affordable housing and public services, including a state of the art health hub accommodating GPs, dentists and a pharmacy. We are also creating work space and retail outlets, which will provide flexible and affordable premises for creative businesses.
“We are delighted that, following the three year successful consultative planning stage, we are now starting work on the North Street Quarter development. We will keep all fully posted by updating our website – www.northstreetqtr.co.uk and issuing regular notices as the project progresses.”
Councillor Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District Council said: “I am delighted to hear that the Council’s partner Santon is poised and ready to start preparatory work on the North Street Quarter development. This brings us one step closer to delivering a huge number of community benefits to the town of Lewes including homes, flood defences, jobs and great public spaces. The regeneration of the largest brownfield site in the historic county town of Lewes is making progress.”
CGI image of North Street Quarter’s riverside access and public square