New Team Set For Managing Southwold Harbour

Southwold Harbour is set to be run by local people, as applications for the new Management Committee are being asked for.

Southwold Harbour is set to be run by local people, as applications for the new Management Committee are being asked for.

As well as the Harbour, a stretch of the River Blyth, Buss Creek, Salt Creek and parts of Southwold Caravan Site would be looked after.

East Suffolk Council is seeking to appoint four independent people to the Southwold Harbour Management Committee (HMC) - a newly formed body which will be responsible for the running of the Harbour on the Council's behalf.

Following a historic agreement between Waveney District Council (predecessor authority to East Suffolk Council) and Southwold Town Council, supported by local harbour users, it was agreed in March 2020 that East Suffolk would oversee the creation of a new strategic body called the Harbour Management Committee (HMC) - which would oversee all Southwold Harbour operations.

This agreement was designed to ensure that there is more local involvement and engagement in the management and delivery of harbour operations and to safeguard its future.

Public consultations were subsequently held last year to seek views on the skills required for these roles.  These include but are not limited to; knowledge and management of ports and / or harbours as well as understanding the importance of the Harbour to Southwold, and the wider area, and knowledge of local stakeholders.  Other relevant skills which would be beneficial include management of marine leisure activities, knowledge of environmental matters and shipping.

Applicants must have an interest, or experience, in public service and be committed to developing the sound management and interests of the harbour, including its financial viability, the management of its assets and all other aspects of good port governance.

Kerry Blair, Head of Operations for East Suffolk Council said: "This is an exciting time for Southwold Harbour and is the latest proactive step in the development of the facility. We have been working closely with Southwold Town Council and other stakeholders to secure a bright future for the Harbour and the appointment of skilled and committed people to the HMC will reinforces our ambitions for the site. We look forward to hearing from a range of suitable applicants.”

Southwold Harbour forms part of the Southwold Harbour Lands, which also includes the relevant stretch of the River Blyth, Buss Creek, Salt Creek and parts of Southwold Caravan Site – as well as commercial properties leased to independent operators to generate rental income for the harbour.

For further information about the roles, please contact Kerry Blair, Head of Operations, on 01502 523007 or kerry.blair@eastsuffolk.gov.uk. Additional information and an application form are available at https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/eastsuffolkcouncils .

A full list of the skills that are of interest are included within the application form and any applications should be returned no later than 12.00 pm on Friday 30 April 2021.

Interviews will take place on 17 May 2021.