Cowes Harbour Commission Annual Report 2016-2017 | Page 14

Harbour Infrastructure Funding Agreement ( HIFA )

Phases 2 and 3 of the OHP , the Shrape extension and Eastern Channel dredge , are due to be delivered under a ‘ Harbour Infrastructure Funding Agreement ’ ( HIFA ) between the HCA , their developers VQEL , and CHC . The HIFA is essential to release the funding stream that will enable delivery of phases 2 and 3 of the harbour infrastructure .

As we go to print ( May 2017 ), detailed negotiations continue in order to finalise the HIFA with the HCA , their developers VQEL , and CHC ’ s potential contractors Boskalis Westminster , with a view to carrying out phases 2 and 3 ( Shrape extension and Eastern Channel ), plus the HCA marina dredge , in the last quarter of the year , potentially starting soon after Cowes Week . However , this is still very much a provisional timeline and is reliant on completion of the HIFA with the HCA and their developers VQEL , and is subject to the HCA and VQEL being in all other respects ready to proceed with the new marina and associated shoreside elements in East Cowes .

A number of the main harbour moorings ( 11 yachts ) will need to be re-located when the harbour infrastructure and HCAled marina works commence . These yachts can remain in place for most or all of the 2017 season and the mooring holders affected will receive further information from CHC in due course .

As per CHC ’ s Strategic Plan 2016-2021 , the Commission remains fully committed to delivering its objectives of a sheltered harbour and improvements to navigational safety , including a dredged Eastern Channel , whilst keeping any disruption to a minimum , and continues to work with all parties concerned to realise completion of the Outer Harbour Project .

A ‘ Port Master Plan ’ for Cowes , that aims to address harbour and marine stakeholder development issues , is being proposed by Cowes Harbour Commission and major stakeholders following extensive consultation : cowesharbourcommission . co . uk / port _ master _ plan

A key objective in CHC ’ s Strategic Plan for 2016-21 is the development of a stakeholder driven ‘ Port Master Plan ’. This is in direct response to feedback from stakeholders on the need for a strategic harbour and marine services development plan , based on the current and future requirements of stakeholders , including commercial and leisure harbour users , and the local community .

The Commission ’ s objective proposes the agreement of a : “ Port Master Plan that identifies current and long-term growth strategies to future-proof the port ’ s infrastructure and services whilst complementing the wider , local and regional plans and policies .”

Recent meetings held in early 2017 between CHC and key stakeholders involved in the East Cowes Development have highlighted that progress on individual development plans is being frustrated by competing or perceived competing interests , including such issues as : land use , investment and grant funding , and delivery timescales . However , informal discussions have demonstrated that there is alignment on a number of high-level strategic objectives and agreement that the principle of a ‘ Port Master Plan ’ could assist in the successful delivery of the East Cowes Development .

Due to the current situation and time pressures on the East Cowes Development , it is therefore proposed that an East Cowes Marine Plan ( ECMP ) is prioritised but set within over-arching primary objectives that are complementary to the overall ‘ Port Master Plan ’.

East Cowes Marine Plan ( ECMP )

The delivery of an East Cowes Marine Plan ( ECMP ) could include the establishment of the Kingston Marine Park site , with land and buildings under the ownership of the Isle of Wight Council and leased to marine industries .

In addition , the ECMP would look to progress the development of the VQEL Victoria Quay marina on the northern part of Venture Quays as per current planning permission , and the new Red Funnel ‘ main ’ scheme on the Seaholme Yard area of Venture Quays .