LDA appointed masterplanners for Newport site

LDA Design has been appointed masterplanners for the former West Medina Mills site in Newport by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). West Medina Mills, which was bought by SEEDA in 2004, is one of three major sites on the Isle of Wight that form the Cowes Waterfront Initiative. The 15.3-acre derelict brownfield site on the western bank of the River Medina was previously used by the cement and aggregates industry. The site will be used to provide improved infrastructure for companies requiring waterfront access.  Development projects director at SEEDA, Peter Cusdin, said: “The lack of employment sites with waterfront access on the Isle of Wight has been a major barrier to investment and economic regeneration.The development of this prime brownfield site will aid the growth of local businesses, secure future employment and help support the development of the Island. “We are pleased to be working with LDA Design and look forward to developing a masterplan which promotes and delivers excellent, sustainable design.”  LDA Design has been appointed as both planners and masterplanners, and will be taking the site through to the submission of planning permission.  Director of community regeneration at LDA Design, Neil Homer, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to produce an exemplary ‘green’ development for the Isle of Wight. The plan will balance biodiversity gains with the need for economic regeneration in the Medina Valley.”