Soap Factory to move to Malling Brooks Industrial Estate
John Gosnell, the Lewes-based manufacturer of cosmetics and home fragrances, is to move into custom-built premises for the first time in its 340 year history. It will relocate later this year to its new home which is now being constructed on Malling Brooks Industrial Estate.
Known locally as “the soap factory”, John Gosnell has been in Lewes since the 1930s, when the company relocated from London to the Old Brewery site. In 1980 the factory moved to the Phoenix Industrial Estate, an area that is being regenerated under the North Street Quarter scheme. This £180m development will provide 400 homes and workshop and retail units for artisan businesses, as well as an opportunity for larger businesses like John Gosnell to relocate.
John Gosnell’s managing director Chris Warner is the fourth generation of his family to run the business. He said that the move to Malling Brooks m
eans that the company can not only stay in Lewes but also expand.
“We don’t take moving lightly – this is only the sixth time we’ve moved in 340 years! Most of our employees are from Lewes and have been for generations, so staying in the town is really important for us. But we need better premises if the business is to continue to thrive.
“This is the first time we’ve designed our own building from the ground up. Its structure means that we can exceed the rigorous standards required for manufacturing and packing our products, and allows us to extend the range, expand the business and employ more people.”
The new building will feature sustainable elements to make it as energy efficient as possible. These include solar panels and a “green” roof covered with a plant called sedum. This cover of vegetation helps to manage water run-off and provide insulation.
Clive Wilding, Director of Santon North Street, which 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 John Gosnell, so they have security and the potential to expand without having to leave Lewes.
“Construction of their unit at Malling Brooks is underway and they will be ready to move in the autumn.”
Chris Warner added: “Thanks to its transport links and proximity to other businesses, Malling Brooks is an ideal location for us and we are looking forward to moving into our new home.”
Plans for the North Street Quarter development were given final approval last year and the first phase of demolition is about to start. 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.
Councillor Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that a business that has been part of the commercial fabric of Lewes for generations, now has the opportunity to increase its presence in the town even further, not least by employing more local people.
“I am quietly confident that the North Street Quarter scheme will give new local businesses the opportunity to achieve the same longevity and success as John Gosnell.”