THE South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has stepped up its assistance to expanding Cowes Harbour.
SEEDA confirmed it was seeking a development and operating partner for the outer breakwater project as Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) re-stated its commitment to a grant funded contribution of up to £2.3 million.
The project moving ahead came as calls were made for harbour investment not to result in higher prices to users, further damaging Cowes’ ability to compete for events with rivals.
CHC said its primary objective is the delivery of wave protection required to make Cowes a true sheltered harbour through an outer breakwater, the extension to the Shrape breakwater and a new eastern channel.
It says a meeting has been scheduled for sometime this month to discuss outstanding issues with Natural England and the Environment Agency, hopefully allowing the various consents in the new year.
A crowded meeting at the Royal London Yacht Club on Wednesday last week, organised by the Isle of Wight division of the British Marine Federation, gave the opportunity to the big players of the River Medina to express their views on a number of issues facing the harbour and the town.
More than 50 river users attended.
Royal Corinthian Yacht Club rear commodore, elect, Mike Till, expressed concern that any upgrading of Cowes facilities for yachting events should not result in higher prices for users. European competition already presented a serious threat.
Cowes Yacht Haven managing director Steve Cole said a meeting with yacht club representatives and bodies, including the Isle of Wight Council, would soon be held to discuss that.
Rpeorter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk