Midhurst Greenway - Information & Updates
Scheme Update - February 2025
The scheme has been separated into two distinct phases.
All works pertaining the existing public highway, south west of Jubilee Walk, in New Road and Holmbush Way junction, including the toucan crossing will be considered as Phase 1.
All works situated within Jubilee Walk and the connection to Chichester Road and The Wharf would form part of Phase 2.
This decision allowed for sufficient design time to focus on the Phase 1 section of the works.
The Initial design for Phase 1 recommended the felling of a number of trees along the A286, New Road. The project team attended site with the County Arboriculturist to review the condition and location of trees along this section and we can now confirm that no trees will need to be felled as part of the works. A number tree limbs will be removed to improve safety and visibility.
We have been working with the Traffic Signals team to ensure the design, location and surrounding features are all suitable for the installation and future operation of the proposed toucan crossing.
A Road Safety Audit has been conducted, associated with the detailed design for the Phase 1 works. The project team have responded to ensure that all aspects raised are suitably addressed.
The project team are in continued dialogue with major stakeholders, where Chichester District Council have confirmed that their Parks Team have carried out works themselves on the north side of the pond to replace the existing paving slabs. There may be further associated works carried out under by Chichester District Council.
We will continue to share knowledge and innovative ideas where appropriate to environment and design.
We have also been in contact with the Hyde Housing Group, who have been cooperative with some land issues, allowing for some positive problem solving. This communication will also continue as all parties have a vested interest in optimising community space for all user groups.
We are currently in discussions regarding some biodiversity ideas near Holmbush Way, we will support with these aims where we can.
-
Background
Midhurst Greenway proposed shared off-road path to original scheme proposal.
The Midhurst Greenway is a shared off-road path for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, walkers, and people on bikes. People of all ages, young and old, will be able to use the path so that residents can make short journeys on foot or bike rather than by car. Encouraging walking and cycling can help tackle climate change, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Midhurst Greenway is one of over 300 proposed improvements featuring in the West Sussex Walking and Cycling Strategy 2016-2026. The route was suggested by Midhurst Area Cycling and is supported by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) Midhurst Town Council and Chichester District Council, which owns the Jubilee Path.
A new signalised crossing on A286 New Road, (Phase 1 as of February 2025) and improvements to the Jubilee Path and The Wharf (phase 2 as of February 2025),
The proposed Phase 1 improvements from the original engagement has now been split into two separate schemes - see update above.
In addition, there is potential to extend the route northwards through the Cowdray Estate to Easebourne (Phase 3, shown in blue) and discussions between SDNPA and Cowdray Estate are currently ongoing. Local development may also present opportunities to provide a link to the south.
Work that has been done to date
The Midhurst Greenway plans have been developed in consultation with the following local stakeholders:
- South Pond Group
- Midhurst Vision
- Midhurst Rotary Club
- Chichester District Council
- Midhurst Area Cycling
- South Downs National Park Authority
- Midhurst Town Council
In designing this scheme, we have considered and taken account of a number points raised by these groups. These include:
- The location of the orchard and new trees
- The location of interpretation boards around South Pond
- The location of a new sculpture (to be provided by the Midhurst Society and installed by Midhurst Town Council)
- Relocation of existing benches and the location of new benches
Accessibility Statement
If you require any of this information in an alternative format, then please contact us by phone 01243 642105 or via email at activetravel@westsussex.gov.uk and we will assist you.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have a BT Relay UK app (opens in new window) installed on your computer, tablet, laptop or smartphone, you can contact us on [i18001 01243 642105]. The BT Relay UK app has now replaced the NGT texting app.
For more information about the accessibility of this website, please see our Accessibility tab (opens in new window) at the foot of the page.
Please note, you can use the Google Translate function to access this project in a range of different languages. The Google Translate widget can be found at the top left-hand side of the project page, where it sits just above the black West Sussex County Council ribbon.
Survey web browser compatibility
Please use one of the browsers below when completing the survey to ensure it looks and works as it should. These are:
· Microsoft Edge version 86 and above
· Chrome version 86 and above
· Firefox version 78 and above
· Safari version 14 and above