VISON PLAN SUMMARY
As the City and Port plan for its long-term future, this Vision Plan explores possible pathways to achieve a hybridization of the Port and its respective land areas. The Port has long been a fixture of Pensacola’s waterfront but faces headwinds to remain economically sustainable and relevant.
Over the course of six months in 2018, the consulting team engaged the City and community through a series of work sessions and survey efforts to gain insights on what the Port could and should look like over the next several decades.
What was learned through this active process of engagement was that the elimination of the Port was not something the community wished to come to fruition. Rather, the Port must look to the future and decipher its highest and best use to remain not only competitive but also sustainable.
Based on these findings and informed by case study and other research, the consultant team established a mission statement and six guideposts that preserve the Port’s strategic attributes, while accommodating new sectors of innovation and technology for a revitalized and sustainable future.
From this foundation, a multi-faced vision for port lands was prepared (see below). The vision reinforces core port operational areas while underutilized land and waterfront assets engage in new pursuits, including science, technology, education, research, business and other complimentary uses. The vision plan seeks to establish a hybrid port, balancing clean cargo seaport trades with new investment geared to creative knowledge and expertise.
Key steps moving forward for implementation include follow-on studies and initial investments, supported by market conditions and sustained determination by individuals and groups over the long term. These subsequent steps will continue to support the project mission, and meet the guidesposts defined within this vision plan.
AVAILABLE PLANS AND PRESENTATIONS
Please find below a digital copy of the Final Portside Pensacola Vision Plan and presentation to the City.