Work on a £4 million eco-friendly business centre is progressing.

The scheme at Denton Island, Newhaven, has been funded by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) and developed by Lewes District Council in partnership with Basepoint plc.

Special panels designed to harness energy from the sun's rays and convert it into electricity are being installed on the steel frames put up at the site.

Methods to store and reuse rainwater are also being used.

Seeda senior development manager Geoff Hawkins said: "When it is completed this development will demonstrate the highest standards of sustainability and provide some 2,000 square metres of new office, studio and workshop space geared towards new and small businesses."

The development is one of a network of centres Seeda is providing in the region with the aim of increasing the start-up and survival rate of businesses and providing a high quality environment they can thrive in.

The centre will contain small units with on site management, meeting space and business support.

It is expected to be ready and open for business by October.