NEWHAVEN is to receive more than £19 million in government funding to improve transport connections and cycle paths in the area.

The funding, which was signed off today, comes as part of the government’s town deals fund for towns and cities across the country.

While the specific details into what will be improved in Newhaven are not yet being annouced, it is said a transport network will be delivered to “improve connectivity in the town” and create “new opportunities” for people across Sussex.

The funding will help improve access by foot and cycling to Sussex, according to the department of levelling up, housing and communities. Newhaven is one of final 15 towns to have the funding signed today.

Neil O’Brien, minister for levelling up, the union and constitution, said: “Ambitious plans like this will see the South East benefit from improved transport for local people and unlock new employment opportunities.

“Newhaven will deliver a transport network which will improve connectivity in the town and create new opportunities for people across the whole region.

“Investments from the Towns Fund is helping communities build back better from the pandemic and level up every corner of the country.”

The Argus also understands the £19 million will go towards opening the University Technical College building by the port for use by the community, improve park facilities for young people, improve the entrance for cars into Newhaven Port, install a 3G astro turf for the football team which will help create a sports academy in town, as well as improve the business park to increase jobs and investment in the town.

The Argus: Money will also go towards the West Quay and West BeachMoney will also go towards the West Quay and West Beach

Another five million from the future high streets fund, which is separate to the £19m town deal fund, will go into Newhaven town centre.

And another £13 million, which was said to go to the west quay as part of the levelling up fund, will improve the fishing stages, fish processing facility and fish restaurant.

Lesley Boniface, mayor of Newhaven, said she is “over the moon” with the announcement.

She said: “I’m really happy with this announcement of the funding that will go into Newhaven.

“It will hopefully go to improve the lives of the local people and the economy which is great.”

The levelling up fund has also provided funding to other locations in Sussex:

£8m to improve Exceat Bridge near Seaford

£19.4m for Bognor's Alexandra Theatre and Littlehampton's seafront

£19.8m for Eastbourne town centre and transport links

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