Picture a former railway dock which has been left vacant and decrepit for years. Like many buildings and facilities throughout the UK left to abandon, it is a piece of industry architecture that through lack of care has become lost to history. In addition to being a general eyesore to those who pass it by, it exists a sad reminder that with the right people involved, there is absolute potential for reinvention, an opportunity to reinvigorate a decaying dock into a new hot spot for the local community.

The Sidings bistro at Railway Quay Newhaven is an example of this reinvention that Direct Access is incredibly proud to be a part of. It is a community sustainability hub that has been developed for the use of, and operated by, the community as part of the maritime town’s ‘Re-Imagining Newhaven project’, delivered using available town funding and supported by CIL. Direct Access collaborated with Crossley Anderson and other firms to make this project a reality, which has been in the works for 5 years.

Repurposed shipping containers lay the foundation of the site’s aesthetic, which after extensive land remediation and removal of environmental risks has resulted in a new community sustainability hub. Utilising shipping containers, and other items on site for repurpose, the development has resulted in a tourist welcome/activity hub, bike rentals, and lockers, in addition to a café with a decked area and a clubhouse for a water sports community group.

Our senior access consultant received drawings for these plans from the client and examined them, taking scale measurements and comparing that information to best practice standards so that the site is up to the correct standard of accessibility for disabled people.

The sustainable, eco-conscious site is as of now open for business and will offer amazing riverside views, dining, and other activities for the Newhaven community.