An estimated £250m of public and private investment since 2005 has enabled Weymouth & Portland to successfully host two amazing weeks of Olympic sailing. It has highlighted the urgent need for Cowes to prioritise the construction of a new breakwater, creating a truly sheltered harbour and opening the door to future economic prosperity.
Photo impression of new Cowes breakwater.
Cowes Harbour Commission believes that an Outer Harbour breakwater is vital to the Isle of Wight economy and to the safety and future prosperity of Cowes Harbour. The Cowes breakwater project has all necessary permissions in place to proceed and the time for constructing the breakwater has arrived. CHC needs to capture crucial infrastructure investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for the breakwater project to proceed. This requires the Isle of Wight Council, local town councils and stakeholders to re-confirm their support for this important investment for the Island and its future.
Cowes Harbour Commission needs to urgently progress with this project now, in order to secure the prioritisation of the project by its partners. CHC is prepared to drive, manage and part fund delivery, making a significant investment in terms of both financial and other resources. This puts the breakwater in a strong position compared with most national competing projects.
Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Harbour Master said: "Cowes is not a natural harbour being very exposed to weather from the north and northeast, which was highlighted by gales earlier in the season resulting in the sinking of five yachts in the harbour. However, it is not just the harbour that the breakwater will protect and strengthen, but the local economy.
"The new breakwater will create an environment where new businesses can set up on sites which were previously too exposed, bringing new employment and investment opportunities into Cowes and the rest of the Island," continued Capt. McIntosh. "In addition, the breakwater protection will help extend the sailing season and there will also be scope for establishing Cowes as a destination for small visiting cruise ships through improved shelter for Trinity Landing."
Photo impression of new Cowes breakwater.
Cowes is the best 'shop window' for the strengths and lifestyle attributes of the Isle of Wight. The proposed investment in a breakwater for Cowes will encourage growth in the leisure sailing market and wider tourism - it will also provide the environment for growth in the skilled marine manufacturing and servicing sectors.
Cowes Harbour Commission's commitment to funding and more active involvement in delivery of the breakwater should help build on the substantial investment already made in the project and the continued commitment from partners to see the project through to completion, if action is taken now.
You can help CHC deliver the breakwater for Cowes by showing your support for the project. Find out more and register your support at www.COWES.co.uk/breakwater or email chc@cowes.co.uk using 'Breakwater' in the subject line.
Stay up-to-date on the progress of the Cowes breakwater, view Questions & Answers about the project - plus, sign up for the CHC newsletter at www.COWES.co.uk/breakwater.
Further information is also available on the CHC website: www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.
Cowes cannot rely on its reputation alone; competition from across the water is here! The time to deliver the Cowes breakwater is now.
You can download the Cowes Breakwater Project flyer here.
Sign the Cowes Breakwater petition to show your support.
Read the full article on COWES.co.uk.
