Cash-injection kick-starts bold campaign to sink a warship in Seaford Bay
Marine South East has pledged its support to the Sink One 4 Seaford campaign at the recent November launch meeting. To help kick-start the campaign Marine South East has offered 50% of the funding for an initial scoping study.
The study is the first step in a bold regeneration project for Seaford and Newhaven, which aims to boost the local economy by sinking an old warship off the coast to create an artificial reef for divers and marine life. The scoping study will examine how the project could be undertaken and assess its financial viability. Simon Powell, Project Manager at Marine South East said;
"This is an incredibly exciting proposal. Creating an artificial reef off the coast of Seaford Bay will breathe life into the Seaford and Newhaven economies. To embark on a project like this takes guts, but it also needs community, financial and government backing to make it happen."
Tony Fowler, local resident and businessman, leads the Sink One for Seaford campaign. He said;
"We have been incredibly busy raising funds to support the scoping study as well as preparing a bid for the £1.5 million needed to deliver this project. Creating an artificial reef will have a significant effect on the future prosperity of Seaford and Newhaven by placing us firmly on the tourism map."
Marine South East has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the campaign and helping to arrange a launch meeting. Mr Powell added;
"We are delighted to offer our support to help launch the Sink One 4 Seaford project. However, a significant investment is now needed from the South East England Development Agency or other funding bodies to make this project a reality."
Over 280 people attended the launch meeting held at Seaford Bay including, local MPs, councillors, residents and business people as well as marine and diving enthusiasts. Speakers at the event were; Jay Straith from Canadian Artificial Reef Consultants; Mike Leece from M. Leece Associates; Councillor John Freeman the Leader of Seaford Council; Simon Powell from Marine South East; along with representatives from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Tourism South East.
Marine South East will continue to help publicise and drive this project forward. There are three planned phases to the project and after the scoping study a feasibility study will need to be carried out.
To discuss funding opportunities please contact Simon Powell at Marine South East on 02380 111 592 or email simon@marinesoutheast.co.uk. For further information about Sink One 4 Seaford please contact Tony Fowler by emailing info@sinkone4seaford.co.uk or log onto the website http://www.sinkone4seaford.co.uk .
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