The Haven Gateway Partnership is leading the way nationally by launching an investment plan for the sub-region that sets out where funding should be directed to meet the challenges and opportunities for long-term sustainable economic and housing growth.

The Integrated Development Programme (IDP), launched on Tuesday 2^nd December, offers an extremely detailed account of the strengths, challenges, risks and opportunities within the Haven Gateway as it plans for growth and development in the years to 2021 and beyond.

"The IDP process has been an ambitious one - in concept, scope and timescale.  For instance, it has, for the first time, brought together the disciplines and timescales linked to new approaches to spatial planning and those associated with key funding cycles" commented David Ralph, Chief Executive for the Partnership.

The Haven Gateway is identified in the East of England Plan as one of four areas in the region for which the 'coherence and particular nature of the issues and responses justifies sub-area treatment'. Also, it has been identified within the new Regional Economic Strategy as one of the East of England's principal 'engines of growth'.

"However, it is imperative that we deliver the growth while maintaining a high-quality environment for residents, workers and visitors" continued David. "We strongly believe that the IDP will help the Haven Gateway to manage its way out of recession, as our commitment towards the projects outlined is 'above and beyond' the impact of the credit crunch."

Working collaboratively, the Haven Gateway's partners, representing both the private and public sector, have managed the opportunities and challenges of housing growth and identified a number of immediate Investment Packages, together with a longer-term, more speculative initiative.

These are:

• IP-One incorporating Ipswich flood defences, Phase II of University Campus, town centre and Ipswich Village improvements.
• Ipswich East including infrastructure improvements for the eastern fringe of Ipswich, new transport link schemes, improvement of electricity supply and the establishment of a 'Knowledge Hub' and E-Skills Academy.
• North Colchester incorporating a proposed new junction on the A12, a new park and ride project based at Weston Homes Stadium, securing 25% level of social housing and a business incubator unit.
• East Colchester including the University of Essex Research Park and Business Innovation Centre, relocation of the former travellers' site to enable redevelopment of the waterfront, renovating and rebuilding King Edward Quay, environmental improvements to Hythe railway station, East Colchester Rapid Transit Link Study and the creation of new public open spaces.
• Colchester Town Centre of which the key elements are the redevelopment of St Botolph's Cultural Quarter, the development of Vineyard Gate, town centre transport and public realm improvements, remediation and redevelopment of Britannia Works
• Coastal Town Regeneration highlighting the key priorities for investment in Felistowe, Harwich, Clacton, Walton and Jaywick
• Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries looks at Colchester and Ipswich with its historic buildings, Clacton, Felixstowe and other coastal towns with beaches and tourist attractions, key venues such as Snape Maltings, Dance East and Firstsite, plans for new hotels and visitor facilities, the high quality food and drink chain, the wealth of outstanding natural beauty in the area and ensuring a lasting Olympic 2012 legacy
• Housing and Skills sets out the achievement of the housing completion targets, but with a higher level of affordable homes, whilst improving the quality of design and energy efficiency. The key priorities for skills are the completion of UCS Phase II, the development of University of Essex Research Park, the establishment of National Skills Centres / Academies, a Haven Gateway Design Initiative and a Train to Gain and workforce development plan.
• Green Infrastructure and Transport lists the priorities as, improvements to the Felixstowe to Nuneaton railway line, projects to accommodate the increase in capacity on the A12 corridor, upgrading the A120, Ipswich - fit for the 21^st Century, further park and ride schemes for Colchester and A133 improvements.
• Sustainable Growth looks at the longer term investment and priorities the issues to take full advantage of opportunities for greater sustainability including: commissioning and taking forward various studies on water cycle, renewable energy, bio-diversity and employment land, supporting the 'Dryport' initiative, removing obstacles to release major employment sites at Sproughton and Brantham, supporting the development of master plans for future residential and employment development, detailed design briefs and delivery plans and assisting with the development of plans to support town centre growth in Sudbury and Stowmarket.

The preparation of the IDP has informed thinking in terms of the Programme of Development submission to the Government for Growth Point Funding in which the Partnership identified the need for £51 million of public sector investment (2008-11). To date, it has secured £17.457 million and received outline approval for some £20 million of Community Infrastructure Funding. The existence of the IDP will in itself enable the Partnership to attract further funding, as it will be able to demonstrate a cohesive strategy for delivering and meeting the targets for growth set by Government.

"The Haven Gateway Partnership is convinced that these packages are the right ones in terms of managing, and prioritising, the investments required to deliver substantial growth - sustainably and well. The publication of the IDP brings what we see as the priorities into the public domain, enabling us to stimulate debate and gain buy-in from the stakeholders within the community."