In-depth report draws record crowd to Marine South East’s Waterfront Strategy MareNet event
The much awaited findings from the Solent Waterfront Strategy study were unveiled at Marine South East’s MareNet event on Monday (23rd June 2008) at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton. A record crowd of around 100 people from the marine sector attended the event to hear the key findings from the study.
Importantly, the study reveals the major contribution the Solent marine industry makes to the UK economy, including future opportunities for growth. This is the first time factual evidence has been gathered to support claims that the Solent marine industry is a driver for economic growth. The Solent is one of the most important areas of water in the country and retention of waterfront access is vital for the future economic security and growth of the Solent marine community
Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East, spoke at the event and led discussions about how the study can now be implemented. He added;
"The Waterfront Strategy confirms the substantial contribution that the marine sector adds to the Solent economy and also stresses the pressure that is on waterfront land space. We welcome this report as it gives us the evidence to retain waterfront sites for continued and future economic development and wealth creation for the marine industry."
The Strategy was initiated following a call from the marine industry itself which expressed concerns about the lack of available waterfront land space. It is being led by SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency in partnership with Marine South East (MSE), Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) and British Marine Federation (BMF).
Kathy Slack, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Area Director for SEEDA, said;
"For the marine industry to compete internationally and to secure its future success in the region we need to take action now to ensure that planners and policies makers are aware of the significant contribution the sector makes to the economy. It is essential that the public sector and partners play a major role in influencing policy making decisions to ensure plans are put in place to allow this industry to prosper. We also recognise that significant investment is required in recruitment and skills programmes to address the marine skills shortage."
Next steps - the Solent Waterfront Steering Group will develop an implementation programme that will help planners to identify the economic value of waterfront sites with potential for marine industrial use. A long-term waterfront management role is also needed, and the Group will explore how this could be achieved.
For further information and a copy of the Solent Waterfront Strategy please visit http://www.solentwaterfront.co.uk
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