Beckett Rankine will deliver a new, safer spot for small boat mooring on the River Ouse by spring 2026, as part of a Government-backed initiative to support Newhaven’s local fishing industry.
Several old jetties used by Newhaven’s local fishers to access the river have deteriorated to the point that they are no longer safe to use.
The new fishing stage project will demolish two of these jetties, replacing them with a single, larger platform and pontoon designed to safely moor smaller boats on the tidal river.
There will also be ground improvement works to stabilise the riverbank, with sensors installed for real-time monitoring of ground movement, as well as riverbed dredging to protect moored vessels at low tide.
Beckett Rankine was appointed as project manager in 2022 and produced the scheme design and planning documents. This was followed by a detailed design package that optimised the most cost-effective solution for the site’s unique challenges.
Herbosch-Kiere was awarded the construction contract in May 2025, signalling the beginning of the project’s next phase. Herbosch-Kiere was selected due to their capability to carry out the range of construction activities in-house from the site’s riverside, providing a holistic approach that is less disruptive and more cost-effective.
UK Government funding for the project was secured by Lewes District Council on behalf of Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd.
Beckett Rankine has a long-standing relationship with Newhaven Port, having completed multiple projects in the last 25 years that include asset management and life extensions, such as repairing and refurbishing the linkspan, installing a unique ferry turning plate concept, and carrying out flood defence improvements.
Senior Engineer and project manager, Matt Sadie, said,
“It’s a privilege to maintain such a strong relationship with Newhaven Port and the surrounding community. The new fishing stage is an important step in supporting Newhaven’s local fishing industry, and – importantly – will provide a safer option for the local fishers to access the river. Beckett Rankine looks forward to working closely with Herbosch-Kiere in delivering this project.”
The work is projected to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in early 2026.
Related information
Newhaven Port
Beckett Rankine has a longstanding relationship with Newhaven Port Authority, providing design and management of key assets for decades.
