Cowes catalyst

In the UK, Cowes Harbour Commission has claimed that the new detached Cowes breakwater is set to unlock the Isle of Wight harbour’s potential and create a catalyst for investment and job opportunities

The main aim of Cowes Harbour Commission’s (CHC) investment into the new Cowes Breakwater was to provide a true sheltered harbour, thereby unlocking its full potential and creating a catalyst for major inward investment and employment generation.

The protection provided by the Cowes Breakwater has now enabled the planned marina element of the Cowes Outer Harbour Project (OHP) to move forward. The OHP is a long-standing strategic partnership between CHC and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The HCA has announced the selection of a consortium of Camper & Nicholsons and Westcourt Real Estate as their preferred developer for the new Victoria Marina development in East Cowes. The scheme will include the regeneration of 2.6 hectares of brownfield land in East Cowes and facilitate the creation of over 250 job opportunities.

Captain Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Harbour Master, said: “The delivery of the Cowes Breakwater has required long-term vision and commitment from the Commission and we are delighted to see that as a result, the new marina and waterfront development in East Cowes will soon become a reality.

“This marina development will also assist with the additional funding required to enable CHC to complete the harbour protection programme. The final stages of harbour infrastructure involve the construction of the Shrape breakwater extension and improved harbour access and navigational safety by the dredging of the new Eastern Channel.”

The HCA’s decision on their chosen developers for the Victoria Marina and associated redevelopment at East Cowes follows a recent announcement by the Solent Gateways partners for a project which encompasses new concept plans for East Cowes and £15m investment for improving cross-Solent connections between Southampton and the Isle of Wight.