An Island-run 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.
The company have been based on the harbourside since 1990, leasing 2 warehouses from the Isle of Wight Council.
Now that 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.
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. 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. The company would also like to lease an area of the 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 2 warehouses at its meeting on Wednesday 28th September.
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.
While the Isle of Wight Council would lose a rental income stream of around £175 a year for the 2 leases, the sale would result in money that would be ringfenced to the Newport Harbour accounts.
Sound’s like a good idea ….
Local business and good coffee.
Good luck .
Great idea! As long as the council doesn’t fall for a counteroffer from Costa-Packet or Star-Bunks.
In Northamptonshire, a similar regeneration scheme has taken place. Thankfully, the council granted a local coffee enterprise a lease instead of Costa-Packet. The local firm offers support & training for autistic people, with a view for autistic people to gain employment. All profits are fed into a newly-built community hub, providing holistic support for many. It’s great to see local businesses being allowed to grow and offer support for those with autism.
Why have the council been allowed to lease out a property with asbestos issues?
Hope you’re successful as it would be great for the island
“Great for the Island” Magical Meg?
What about the Five Residential Moorings who All pay Council Mooring Fees as well as Full Band A Council Tax?
While you’re sipping your coffee and dipping your toes in the river, taking in the panoramic views of the Premier Inn, have a think, after You Up-Root them, where else can you relocate them, one of which has been there over 30 years, please share with us your exclusive list of Council Residential Moorings and there locations on the Island.
Why don’t you take your boats sailing ?
As that is what they were built for.
Motor Cruisers don’t have sales and are fitted out to be accommodation while afloat and engines to dodge and avoid day sailors. Plus if it’s a choice of being homeless or not, forced to live on them.
That’s a shame. I don’t like coffee.