Newhaven Port & Properties

The Brief

Newhaven Port & Properties (NPP) is a vital commercial and ferry port located on the south coast of England. Working closely with the Harbour Master, Stephen Tindale, we were tasked with redesigning their website to better serve the port’s wide range of users, including commercial shipping partners, ferry passengers and local stakeholders.

The previous website was difficult to navigate and struggled to accommodate the extensive amount of information and updates required by the port. Our brief was to design and develop a new website that offered a clear structure, intuitive navigation and a modern, user-friendly experience.

Designed for Clarity and Functionality

Our goal was to simplify and modernise how information is presented, making it easy for users to find essential details such as port operations, safety guidelines and travel updates.

We worked closely with Stephen and the NPP team to understand their operational requirements, particularly the need for real-time updates. The design focuses on accessibility and ease of use, ensuring that critical information is always visible and simple to manage.

The visual style of the website reflects Newhaven Port’s heritage and role as a working commercial hub while maintaining a clean, modern look that aligns with current digital standards.

Web Development

The new website was built on WordPress, providing flexibility and ease of content management for the NPP team.

A key feature of the build was a custom bridge opening module, developed specifically for the port’s operational needs. This system allows staff to quickly update bridge opening times on the website, with the updates automatically reflected on the physical bridge signage. This ensures consistent and real-time communication with port users.

We also developed custom integrations for live weather, tide and wind data, allowing visitors to view up-to-date environmental information directly on the website. These features provide added value for both commercial and recreational users, helping them plan their port activity safely and efficiently.

The site was structured to handle a large volume of content, with clear categorisation and improved search functionality. This ensures all types of visitors, from ferry passengers to commercial operators, can easily find the information they need.

The Result

The new Newhaven Port & Properties website provides a significant upgrade in usability, performance and accessibility. It presents a professional and easy-to-navigate digital presence that reflects the port’s importance and supports its day-to-day operations.

The addition of custom functionality and a refreshed design has made managing and sharing critical information simpler than ever for the NPP team.