After almost twenty years of construction the residential elements of the Sovereign Harbour development is nearing completion. However, the social infrastructure necessary to turn this enormous housing development into a sustainable community has been completely ignored. So too has the development of the promised high-quality business park that should have been the 'work' element of the 'work-life' environment that was the objective of the original 'Marina Village' concept.

Now, there are just five development sites remaining on the harbour that can be used to provide the required facilities, and Sovereign Harbour Ltd have ambitions to cover them all with further, unwanted, totally inappropriate, residential development. The harbour has already been seriously overdeveloped and, whatever happens, the Marina Village concept will never become a reality. The SHRA, with the support of the Borough Council is determined to resist any further residential development and to fight to ensure that all the remaining development land is used to provide the necessary social infrastructure and the business and tourist facilities that will make Sovereign Harbour a sustainable community.

It is recognised that the land owners should be allowed a financial return on their investment, but the massive overdevelopment has already provided a windfall much larger than they could ever have imagined. With this in mind, members of the SHRA committee have examined the possible uses of the land, and have produced imaginative proposals that would result in a 'win-win' outcome.

The proposals below are our concept of how the Sovereign Harbour project could be completed to the benefit of all interested parties, the land owners, the Borough Council and, above all, the harbour residents who have invested so much of their hard-earned money into their homes.

The 'Five Sites' are:

• Site One - The land at Langney point, where the Martello Tower stands
• Site Two - The car park in Atlantic Drive, opposite Daytona Quay
• Site Three - The land at the back of 'The Harvester', currently used by the fishermen
• Site Four - The curved section of land by the North Harbour Bridge, at the entrance to the Waterfront
• Site Five - The land currently occupied by the Carillion offices in Harbour Quay

The drawings below show the SHRA's view of how the land could be used; they are not cast in stone, and should be regarded as a starting point for discussion. We also have some ideas on the future of the whole Waterfront area, including the Commercial Areas, which we will be expanding over the coming months.

If you have any comments, we would be pleased to hear them.
Please e-mail us

To download a larger (pdf) version of any plan, click anywhere on the drawing

This drawing shows Site One.

This Site was always designated for a high-quality hotel development to match the Grand Hotel at the western end of the town.

It is also presents superb opportunities for recreation and leisure, with stunning views over the sea and the town

This drawing, and those below, show Sites Three and Four.

By combining these two sites, and moving the boatyard to the commercial area, where it really belongs, the opportunity is presented to build a 'village centre' that would feature shops, restaurants and open space that would be an attraction for Eastbourne residents and tourists alike.

It would give the harbour the heart that the developers have so far failed to provide, and create the sustainable community that everybody wants, and in which they could take pride.

First impressions are vitally important if visitors to the harbour are to be encouraged to return.

This drawing shows one possible view.

Any village need a centre, and the Sovereign Harbour Marina Village is no exception.

In our view, the village centre should be a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants, with enough open space for visitors to stroll at their leisure.

It should also provide the open space necessary to hold social events and visiting markets

Many of the visitors to Sovereign Harbour arrive by water. It is, therefore, essential that the village centre should look attractive from that viewpoint.

Also, the boats, of which Sovereign Harbour has plenty, are an added attraction for visitors.

For that reason alone, the waterfront areas must be open and available to visitors.