Local fishers will soon have access to the new fishing stage on the River Ouse, as construction of the main structure has been completed.
The project involved demolishing two degraded jetties along the riverbank and replacing them with a larger fishing stage that offers safer access and mooring for small boats.
The riverbank was stabilised with a new sheet pile wall, while revetment works incorporating scour protection was also installed.
Recently, the structural steel beams and timber decking have been completed, marking a significant milestone of the fishing stage’s construction.
The fishing stage comprises a large jetty accessed from the riverside walkway, which connects to the floating pontoon via a self-levelling walkway. The design allows safe access across the River Ouse’s ~7m tidal range and, at 50m long, can accommodate up to eight fishing vessels in a double-berthed arrangement.
In the final phase of work, Newhaven Port will install and connect the pontoon and self-levelling walkway, as well as the utility connections, ahead of opening to industry users later this year.
The project received UK Government funding secured by Lewes District Council as part of an investment in the local fishing industry. Beckett Rankine was commissioned to design, project manage and supervise the new fishing stage, including producing the specification of works and tendering for the construction, which was delivered by Herbosch-Kiere.
Principal Engineer, Matt Sadie, said:
“The Newhaven fishing stage is a major improvement for the local fishing community, providing a safer and more practical way to access the River Ouse. We’re pleased to see the main structure completed and look forward to seeing people make full use of the fishing stage once the final components are finished. Beckett Rankine would like to thank Newhaven Port for their continued trust in our services, and the wider project team for delivering this important asset.”
Click to enlarge images.
