FAQs

Overall, there was a net reduction of 19 parking spaces in order to establish improved pedestrian safety.  ADC are in the process of reviewing utilisation of their off street car parks across the town, with early indications that the net loss in parking along the Esplanade can be managed by off street parking availability.

The scheme did not include the provision of additional cycle parking, at this time, but this could be added on land adjacent to the scheme in the recently completed Place St Maur area with the agreement of the District Council.  

The WSCC project team discussed the potential for a new cycle link between the Promenade, the Esplanade (at the central crossing) and across Place St Maur, crossing Belmont Street and using York Road. However, the costs of major changes to the sea wall and upgrade of the current Puffin Crossing to a Toucan Crossing, and difficulties establishing a route through the recently upgraded Place St Maur resulted in a cycle link being ruled out at this time.

There was an addition of new trees alongside those that are currently there, where underground utilities, drainage and clearance to traffic signals could be maintained.

Discussions have been held between the Highway Authority and the District Council on the potential to allow for a seasonal closure of the Esplanade between April and October each year.  Although this might be seen as a benefit, the removal of car parking along this section, which provided around 22,000 parking events in the same period in 2021, and for which there would not be a re-provision of parking elsewhere, would likely remove significant footfall from the area and have a direct impact on the immediate local businesses on the seafront.  If temporary closures of the Esplanade, for specific events, is required there are sufficient existing powers that the District Council can use.

A traffic report prepared by ADC and their consultant, WSP, of the potential highway impacts of a closure has also been completed and, in the medium to long term, traffic growth in the area would require some junction improvement, for which there is no currently identified funding, or a substantive increase in active travel modes such as walking and cycling to reduce car use.

Benefits of the scheme include:

• Improved place shaping
• Improved pedestrian access and disabled access between the Esplanade and Seafront, additional crossing facility to the west of the scheme with raised table crossing
• The addition of a walkway between parked cars and sea wall to improve pedestrian safety
• Creation of a 20mph zone through traffic calming features, road narrowing and removal of centreline markings to change the ‘character’ of the road and assist in making it more pedestrian friendly
• Greening of the area with planting to create pleasant surroundings
• Additional seating areas and provision of litter bins
• Assist in urban regeneration around the Regis centre to help attract visitors to the sea front and improve economic growth.

The Esplanade Scheme is predominantly a highway and public realm improvement and seeks to improve accessibility, safety and to “green” the area at key crossing locations and along the road.  It is not believed that this will have any negative effects on customers, businesses or residents.

Improved footway access to the seafront; provision of the sea wall walkways and additional seating and waiting areas should have a positive effect on a variety of groups of people.

We are aware that during works like this traffic delays can take place, and this has an impact on the environment over the scheme delivery period. However, this scheme aims to improve environmental conditions for the town by promoting walking and cycling to encourage the shift to more sustainable modes of transport. 

Additionally, the scheme has introduced new plants to the area.