January 16th, 2025.



Locals are being invited to suggest a new name for Shakespeare Hall in Fort Road Recreation Ground, Newhaven, as part of a refurbishment that will include a new café and terrace.

This is part of a major regeneration of the recreation ground to create a new play area, outdoor gym equipment and artificial cricket wicket, alongside other improvements such as updating existing buildings, landscaping the whole site to increase biodiversity, a new community orchard and enhanced public toilet facilities.

Meanwhile, footpaths linking the recreation ground with nearby Castle Hill Nature Reserve have been opened up to improve connections between the sites.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “We are delighted to invite the local community to get involved in our exciting plans and help shape the future of Fort Road Recreation Ground.

“By finding a new name for this hall, residents can leave their mark on a space that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Let your imagination run wild – we welcome names that reflect Newhaven, its history, its geography or its aspirations for the future.”

Ideas can be submitted on the Fort Road Rec website at www.fortroadnewhaven.org

The closing date is Friday, February the 14th, at 5.00pm. Ideas will be considered by a panel and the winning submission will be announced in the spring.

The transformation of Fort Road Recreation Ground is being made possible thanks to funding from UK Government as part of the Re-Imagining Newhaven Programme and work is due to start this spring.