North Street Quarter Commencement

The North Street Quarter development has received confirmation from the planning authority that the pre-commencement planning conditions for phase 1 of the scheme have been met. This is a big step forward in the scheme’s progress as work to prepare the ground for development can now begin, with demolition planned to take place the week commencing January 7.

During the demolition work the contractors will seek to salvage parts of the old ironworks that have historical interest. The majority of the phase 1 demolition will take place once a developer has been appointed later in the year.

Phase 1 of the scheme includes the construction of the health hub, with a public car park below, business units for creative industries and 238 homes, including the majority of the affordable housing.

As well as much needed housing and the new community health facility for 26,000 patients, the North Street Quarter scheme is contributing additional benefits to the town. These include completion of the flood defences, improvements to highways and upgrading Pell’s recreation ground and Malling Fields.

The remainder of the site (phases 2 & 3) comprising 178 homes will be developed after phase 1. A public exhibition about the appearance and landscaping details was held last October and feedback from the event has helped shape the plans. The proposals have now been submitted to the planning authority for approval.

Lewes craft-makers revolution

The East Sussex county town has become a hothouse of maker and crafts businesses in the last twenty years. Here four maker-crafts-people are profiled, each highlighting a different craft and underlining the diverse spectrum of makers who have set down roots in the town.