DEVELOPERS will exhibit new plans for improvement work at Newhaven Port to create jobs and increase shipping business.

Newhaven Port authorities want to build a multi-purpose quayside up to 300 metres long, to widen access to the inner harbour and ferry terminal.

If approved, the development would create around 150 jobs and help create a clean technology company site off the back of approval for the Rampion offshore windfarm.

The new quayside could provide a future replacement for any business that could be lost if the ferry terminal closes.

The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry service is under threat from cuts from the French authorities which subsidise the link, putting 500 jobs at risk.

A public exhibition will be held at the Hillcrest Centre in Hill Crest Road, Newhaven, from 2pm to 8pm on Tuesday.

Staff from harbour authority Newhaven Ports and Properties (NPP), Royal Haskoning DHV, which has carried out environmental impacts, and project managers TB Partners will be on hand to answer questions.

Harbourmaster Captain Dave Collins-Williams said: “This is about future proofing the port and the only way of doing that is to build a new terminal and develop the land behind it.

“It will be more modern then the present Victorian infrastructure. It’s an opportunity to take us into the future.”

Newhaven Ports and Properties (NPP) will apply to replace two rundown buildings on East Quay – the port authority and engineering building, and the port control building, with a new centre for wind farm operator E.ON and a port authority and control building.

Engineering sheds at the rear of the East Quay would be extended amid interest from firms wishing to be at the port.

NPP is also proposing to clear three hectares of land for cargo management and port activities.

The port needs to increase traffic but has suffered years of declining volumes and suffers limited quayside space.

The plans are part of a wider Port Masterplan published in 2012 which aims to establish a cluster of clean technology and renewable energy businesses.

Hopes were given a boost after the government approved the 175-turbine offshore wind farm to be built 13km off the coast.

The farm is expected to support 750 jobs with construction expected to start in 2015.

Earlier this year Newhaven won a £19 million government growth deal, including £10 million for a new port access road and £9 million for flood defences.

  •  A petition calling on MPs to save the ferry link has attracted more than 100 signatures.

Carine Toucand, of Brighton, said: “Many in the south use this route to go and see family and friends on the other side of the Channel, in the comfort of their car, often because it is easier when you have children.

“Closing Newhaven-Dieppe means that the trip could take hours more.”