Shoreham Cement Works redevelopment could begin in 2027

The former Shoreham Cement Works is the focus of new plans that would see the site redeveloped as a major mixed-use scheme comprising housing and commercial and employment space. 

The 44-hectare site was identified in May as having potential for a development of up to 400 homes in the latest proposed edition of the South Downs National Park local plan.

A view of the site (Image: Turley)

However, a scoping opinion now submitted to the national park authority suggests the proposed development could contain up to 521 homes. 

It also suggests that works at the site could commence as soon as 2027, concluding in 2033 or 2034.

An originally proposed 62,000 square metres of office space would be scaled back to 45,000 square metres. 

A scoping opinion is a document which sets out the level of detail needed prior to the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment, a key planning document.

No further planning documents have yet been submitted, but it is anticipated that an Environmental Statement will be lodged in due course.

The site is being controlled and managed by FI Property Group, one of the UK's largest privately owned commercial property and regeneration businesses.

The group expects to hold a public consultation on plans for the site later this year.

The site is considered to have a significant negative visual impact on the South Downs National Park (Image: Turley)

Production at the cement works site ceased in 1991, with the area since used for commercial and industrial storage and vehicle repairs.

The site is considered to have a "significant negative visual impact" on the landscape of the national park and represents an "exceptional opportunity" for redevelopment. 

It was previously identified as having potential for redevelopment in the national park's 2019 local plan. 

An artist's impression of the proposed development, with housing areas in blue and employment space in orange (Image: AEW Architects)

According to the scoping report, the proposed development would be delivered across five zones known as Riverside, Cement Works, Clifflands, Bowl, and Moonscape.

Early works would focus on demolishing existing structures and remediating the land, with homes, commercial units, and associated infrastructure built in phases across the site.

The site, adjacent to the River Adur and the A283, includes two quarries alongside the derelict cement works buildings.

Its use as a quarry dates back to the 18th century, while the current buildings were erected in the 1940s. 

Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director of FI Property Group, said: "With control and management of Shoreham Cement Works, we are now focused on delivering the next phase of the project.

"The site has had a difficult history, with progress stopping and starting over a number of years. We believe this is an opportunity for a fresh start under clear leadership of an experienced developer with a strong track record of delivering complex regeneration projects.

"For more than 40 years, FI Property Group has planned, designed, built and managed developments across the UK. As a self-delivery developer, we have the experience to take projects from planning through to construction and long-term management.

"Our aim is to bring forward a landscape-led, environmentally sensitive scheme that respects the site's industrial heritage and location within the South Downs National Park. We look forward to working closely with the local community, stakeholders and the South Downs National Park Authority as plans develop."