Work to prepare part of the North Street Quarter site in Lewes for development is scheduled to begin this month (September). Archaeological and heritage surveys are now underway and demolition of some of the vacant buildings will be carried out at the end of the month.
Barry Draper, manager of Wenban-Smith said: “I think this development will be fantastic for Lewes.”
One organisation taking a keen interest in the progression of the development is Wenban-Smith. The timber merchant has been a tenant on the site for six years but the regeneration has provided an opportunity to relocate to Lewes’s Malling Brooks Industrial Estate.
Barry Draper, manager of Wenban-Smith, Lewes, is delighted at the prospect of moving to brand new premises that are being constructed specifically for the timber merchant. He said: “When we move to Malling Brooks, not only will we have a brand new bespoke property, but we will be with all the other building trade merchants. This is great news for our customers too as they will be able to purchase all they need in one location.”
There is a long history behind the Lewes timber merchant dating back to 1875, when Parsons Brothers was established. The business was taken over in 1995 by Wenban-Smith and has continued to thrive. The company supplies specialist boards such as work tops, doors, windows and other timber products to both trade and retail customers.
Clive Wilding, Director of Santon North Street, who along with Lewes District Council, is developing North Street Quarter, said: “This is a major regeneration programme for Lewes which will create employment opportunities and boost the town’s economy.
“The scope of the scheme not only provides space for new businesses, but also offers development opportunities for existing businesses like Wenban-Smith, so they have security and the potential to expand without having to leave Lewes.
“Groundwork for the units at Malling Brooks is underway and they will be ready for occupation in the near future.”
Plans for the North Street Quarter development were given final approval in July. The first phase of the scheme 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.
Mr Draper added: “I think that this development will be fantastic for Lewes. This area has been a bit of an eyesore for some time and there are lots of old buildings that need to come down. The plans look really nice and it’s great that more will be made of the river – it will be a real feature and benefit for the town.”