An Isle of Wight family business has unveiled major plans to regenerate a site at Newport Harbour.
Already based in Blackhouse Quay on the River Medina, Isle of Wight Espresso Company is looking to improve its coffee roasting and processing facility as well as creating a coffee shop, visitor centre and accredited barista training centre.
Request to buy both leases
The company have been based on the harbourside since 1990, leasing two warehouses from the Isle of Wight council.
Now one lease has run out, the company has asked the council to buy both sites, feeling it is the most viable option to enable development due to the significant level of investment needed.
Looking to expand its offer and brand
The coffee company already runs Caffe Isola, on Upper St James’s Street, Newport, but is looking to expand its offer and brand.
In a letter to the council, the company says the existing warehouse requires significant work just to bring it up to a fully usable condition.
Changes needed
This includes removing a suspected asbestos roof which has been leaking since before they moved in, stabilisation works and connection to drainage systems.
It wants to fully regenerate the warehouse to improve its flood defences and create a multi-use space.
Waterfront holiday accommodation
The company would also like to lease an area of waterfront from the council to provide floating amenities such as eco-focused holiday accommodation.
The council’s harbour committee is being asked to approve the Isle of Wight Espresso Company as a special purchaser of the two warehouses at its meeting on Wednesday, 28th September.
Major regeneration work
Newport Harbour is due to undergo major regeneration work, but investment is being sought to bring the council’s masterplan to life.
The proposals from the coffee company are outside of the area earmarked for regeneration. Instead, the council said, investment in the site would be complementary to the regeneration plans and enhance the appeal of the harbour as a visitor destination.
Ringfenced to Harbour accounts
While the Isle of Wight council would lose a rental income stream of around £175 a year for the two leases, the sale would result in money that would be ringfenced to the Newport Harbour accounts.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
