The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has confirmed Sutton Harbour Holdings PLC as the preferred bidder in the process to identify a developer and operator for the new Outer Harbour development at East Cowes, on the Isle of Wight.

Cowes Outer Harbour Project Site Model

The development is a key part of the regeneration of East Cowes, which will provide the opportunity to improve the links between East Cowes and West Cowes and open up of the waterfront to enhance East Cowes’ status as a gateway, boosting tourism in the area.  The plans include a new outer breakwater and a marina of 300 berths with separate provision for visitors and events. This is a joint project between SEEDA, Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) and The Crown Estate.

Cowes Harbour Master, Stuart McIntosh commented: “This is a major milestone for this project that will finally make Cowes a truly sheltered and safe harbour. The Commissioners, the yachting and local business communities consider this development as essential to ensuring the long-term prosperity of the harbour and the local economy. I therefore hope that the next milestone, and final required consent, will be the planning committee granting approval of full planning consent next week.”