New exit wanted for Brighton station (From The Argus)

New exit wanted for Brighton station

2:00pm Monday 14th May 2012 in News

Traders are calling for a new exit from Brighton station to boost business.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas is backing the campaign for a fourth exit into Trafalgar Street.

Brighton and Hove City Council are launching the next phase of a consultation today on how to regenerate the area around the station and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Dr Lucas said an escalator from the station to Trafalgar Street would draw passengers to the North Laine and boost trade.

Among the options mooted when the Station Gateway Project was announced last year are to move buses or taxis from outside the main entrance of the station to Queen’s Road.

Work is due to start next year once the plans have been finalised.

Dr Lucas said an extra exit would help drive visitors to North Laine.

Currently there are three exits at the station – the main entrance at Queen’s Road and an exit at Stroudley Road.

An exit was also put in place that leads through Trafalgar Street, near the Toy Museum.

Dr Lucas said: “A new access point to Trafalgar Street via a pedestrian exit or escalator would be a real boost for local traders in the city, since visitors would be led straight down from the station into the heart of the North Laine.

“It would also help to inject new life into the Mangalore Way area under the station arches, which has huge potential to become a busy cafe and market place quarter.

“Add to that the clear benefits for residents to the east of the city and you have a win-win scenario.

David Sewell, chair of North Laine Traders Association, said: “This exit to the east would become an easy-access shortcut to and from the station, increasing footfall and passing trade – a definite win for rail users and the whole North Laine.

“The link corridor, combined with good signage, would become very popular for residents, tourists and train users alike, and would re-invigorate what is already the vibrant heart of the city.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The Station Gateway project aims to improve the southern station entrance and create a high quality northern entrance to provide a fitting welcome to our city. Network Rail and Southern Railways are currently considering the council’s suggestion of a third, eastern entrance, which could provide a better link to the North Laine and Trafalgar Street.”