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 The exciting Ropetackle waterfront development in the centre of Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex is set to become a pioneering model for the sustainable redevelopment of derelict sites throughout the South East.
Developed by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) in partnership with Berkeley Homes, this flagship venture is an integral feature of the wider regeneration strategy for the entire Shoreham Maritime area.
SEEDA has ensured that high quality urban design and sustainability are at the heart of the project. All buildings will meet stringent design and architectural standards. To minimise the environmental impact on natural resources, all constructed buildings will be highly energy efficient, embracing renewable energy technology, and all homes will be built to the industry recognised BRE EcoHomes 'Excellent' rating.
The EcoHome standard aims to effectively reduce the impact of house building on the environment and includes challenging targets for greater insulation, reduced water consumption and simplified systems for the recycling of household waste.
At the centre of the scheme is a new town square, linked to a series of public open spaces with a new riverside walk. This mixed use development, comprising of both 180 residential dwellings and dedicated business space, is also making a positive contribution to promoting wildlife friendly developments. A total of 14 swift, bat and tit boxes have been incorporated into the development to counteract a recent population decline affecting swifts and bats due to the loss of suitable feeding sites. This important element is being delivered by the SEEDA led 'Building for Nature' initiative.
Martin Bolton, SEEDA Sustainable Development Manager said: "Ropetackle will be championed as a replicable model for the redevelopment of other derelict sites for industry professionals to emulate. We have shown that social, economic and environmental factors can all be successfully integrated if they are factored in at the earliest planning opportunity."
More than half of the 140 homes available for private purchase at Ropetackle have already been sold since the first releases in March 2004. The remaining 40 homes have been designated as 'affordable housing' with 20 being available for shared ownership and 20 for rental accommodation.
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