Frequently Asked Questions:-

What is the Haven Gateway Partnership?
Why was the Haven Gateway Partnership developed?
What is the purpose and vision of the Haven Gateway Partnership?
What are the Haven Gateway Partnership's objectives?
How is the Partnership funded?
What areas are including in the Haven Gateway Sub-region?
What areas of activity/projects are the Haven Gateway Partnership involved with?
How can I become a supporter of the Haven Gateway Partnership?
How can I contact the Haven Gateway Partnership?

What is the Haven Gateway Partnership?

The Haven Gateway Partnership is an un-incorporated association which was launched in 2001 and brings together the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich, Mistley and surrounding hinterlands.

Initially set up to promote and develop commercial, social and environmental elements it has already identified key priorities for the development of the region including improvements to the rail and road infrastructure, education and training, tourism and regeneration.

To achieve these priorities a broad range of working groups has been formed including Business development, Tourism and Culture, Maritime and Logistics, Transport and Infrastructure, Planning and regeneration and Education and Training.

It is governed by a Board comprising representatives from the public/private sector including five local councils, two county councils and key players in the ports, shipping and logistics industry.

Why was the Haven Gateway Partnership developed?

There were a number of reasons for developing the partnership including:-

• The Local Authorities saw a joint mutual interest in working together to promote the Haven area for inward investment and tourism;
• The private sector is pursuing a number of important regeneration initiatives notably in Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich;
• The higher and further education sector would welcome other links with government and business;
• There have been a number of sub-regional studies highlighting the potential of the area in terms of its excellent port facilities, good transport infrastructure, an emerging cluster of new technology companies and a high quality of life;
• It is important for the partners to maximise their leverage in lobbying for new investment in the area from central and regional government;

What is the purpose and vision of the Haven Gateway Partnership?

The purpose of the Partnership is to be a framework through which partner organisations can work together to promote the economic opportunities and secure the future prosperity of this major gateway to the East of England.

The Partnership's vision for the period to 2011 is:-

"To deliver a high quality environment for its residents, workers and visitors, by capitalising on its location as a key gateway, realising its potential for significant substantial growth, addressing its needs for economic regeneration, creating an additional focus for growth in hi-tech, knowledge based employment, related to the Cambridge clusters, and protecting and enhancing its high quality, attractive natural assets."

What are the Haven Gateway Partnership's objectives?

Key objectives taken from the Partnership's vision are:-

• a focus on ports, with associated transport and logistics industries;
• a concentration on developing housing and jobs in Ipswich and Colchester and surrounding ports;
• encouraging the development of Colchester and Ipswich as complementary centres of creativity;
• encouraging high tech knowledge based employment linked to the University of Essex and the new University Campus Suffolk;
• improving the public realm and achieving high quality design.
• Re-connecting towns to their waterfronts.
• Establishing a network of open spaces and green corridors across the sub-region;
• developing a sustainable, integrated transport system;
• regenerating areas of high deprivation and providing affordable housing;
• maintaining the sub-region's high environmental values and quality of life.

How is the Partnership funded?

Funding for the Partnership is obtained in part from subscriptions from Partners but a substantial amount is provided by the East of England Development Agency.

What areas are including in the Haven Gateway Sub-region?

The Haven Gateway sub-region surrounds the estuaries of the River Stour and Orwell, bringing together the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich, Mistley and surrounding hinterlands of North - East Essex and South – East Suffolk.  It includes the boroughs of Ipswich and Colchester as well as the North-East Essex district of Tendring, and much of the Suffolk Coastal and Babergh districts. 

What areas of activity/projects are the Haven Gateway Partnership involved with?

The Haven Gateway Partnership is involved in a wealth of projects and activities

How can I become a supporter of the Haven Gateway Partnership?

If you would like to become involved in and support the activities of the Haven Gateway Partnership visit the supporters section of this website.

How can I contact the Haven Gateway Partnership?

Please contact us if you would like more information or if you have a specific question or if you would like to give us your feedback or comments.

Telephone: 01206 843753
Fax: 01206 848419
E-mail: info@haven-gateway.org

Alternatively please complete the form on the contact us page.