FAQs

The scheme will redesign and upgrade the public realm along North and East Street in Chichester. This includes resurfacing, introducing trees and planting and upgrading seating and litter bins. The scheme will install fibre internet ducting and improve direction signs for wayfinding. The pedestrian zone will be extended to St Peters in the north and Little London/Baffins Lane to the east.

These works are being delivered by WSCC, in partnership with Chichester District Council and Chichester City Council as part of the wider Chichester Growth Programme. WSP are also providing project management support.

The scheme, delivered with the support of the city and district councils, is estimated to cost £10.5 million, with West Sussex County Council contributing more than £7 million. Additional funding will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy, the Lane Rental Surplus Fund, Chichester City Council, Chichester District Council, and income from the sale of reclaimed stone. The total cost of the scheme reflects the materials chosen, the design, build, project management and risk/ contingency.  

The project is in detailed design stage. A delivery partner will be sought over the spring/summer 2026 with a view to starting construction in February 2027. We will keep the public updated with progress on the appointment of a contractor and subsequent dates for delivery.  

This project is part of the Chichester Growth Programme (opens in a new tab) which delivers the aims of the Chichester Growth Deal. West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council updated the Growth Deal in 2025/26 to set out where development and investment should take place. The programme brings the councils together to focus on shared priorities, support economic growth, and create wider benefits for the local community.

Engagement with partners, local businesses and access & disability groups will continue as the detailed design phase progresses. WSCC will communicate with businesses and visitors when work is due to happen.  

The scheme starts at the junction of St Peters on North Street and ends at the junction of Little London on East Street. Therefore, there will be minimal changes affecting motorised traffic. However, there may be a requirement to relocate some disabled parking bays a short distance. Accessibility groups will be engaged during the design process to minimise impact of the proposed changes.

The schemes design will include fibre internet ducting as part of these works. Improving digital connectivity within Chichester City Centre is a priority to support businesses and residents.

As part of these improvements, new mobile infrastructure will be introduced to deliver reliable mobile coverage, including 4G connectivity. This will benefit residents, visitors and businesses while preserving the historic character of the streets.

This project will bring multiple benefits from the safety and functionality of the pavements to increased footfall and economic growth. Most notably, benefits include:

• Increased footfall and dwell time leading to economic growth
• Increased productivity from fibre installation
• Decreased WSCC maintenance expenditure
• An improved surface resulting in fewer trips and falls.
• Lower levels of reported anti-social behaviour
• Increased pride of place.

It must be noted that during the construction works there will be some disruption. However, disruption will be kept to a minimum where possible and the programme of works will be communicated through this webpage.

Trial holes are small excavations used to check ground conditions and locate underground utilities before major works begin. These works are specifically testing where trees may be planted in the future scheme.

They help prevent unexpected issues during construction, reduce risk of utility strikes, and ensure accurate planning.

Access to businesses will be maintained. Some minor inconvenience may occur due to barriers or diversions, but disruption will be kept to a minimum.

No full road closures are planned. Works are mainly in pedestrian areas, with minimal impact on traffic.

Approximately 20 days, starting 12 January 2026, Timescales may change slightly due to weather or ground conditions.

No. All works will take place during normal daytime hours only (8am–4pm). There will be no evening, overnight or early morning working.

The public was invited to comment on plans over a four-week period. The public consultation commenced on 4^th November and will concluded on 29^th November 2024.

All the project information was available on this webpage. We invited the public to look through the information and complete the survey online.

We also attended the following events to meet the public:

For those unable to attend, Chichester Library, the Chichester District Council offices, the West Sussex County Council reception and at the Chichester City Council offices all held surveys for the public to complete and submit everyday throughout the four weeks.

All feedback will be analysed and reviewed alongside the design team. The public engagement feedback will be used by the design team to influence the detailed design stage.