Multi-million pound plans to transform Brighton city centre

Plans have been revealed to transform Western Road near Churchill Square to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians and bus users.

The scheme is expected to be disruptive and construction work could take up to two years, the council said.

The plans are expected to be funded by £1.5 million of government money and go before councillors next Wednesday.

The proposals would see the road and pavements surfaced between the Clock Tower and Montpelier Road and improved pedestrian crossings.

Pedestrians would also be given priority for crossing at side roads as well as a simplified road layout.

Junctions at Dyke Road and the Clock Tower would also be improved.

The proposals also include:

• Simplification of the road layout with a central strip provided to help with informal pedestrian crossing, other pedestrian crossings would be retained and improved
• Pavement widening either side of the informal crossing between Imperial Arcade and Churchill Square, this is designed to reduce the crossing distance and make it easier to cross between buses
• Removal of Clarence Square bus stops, this is because they are very close to Churchill Square, it is expected to help provide additional pavement space and speed up buses
• Relocation of westbound Waitrose bus stop to near the junction with Sillwood Road, this is in order to create a simpler approach to the junction with Montpelier Road
• Redesign of the Dyke Road junction with Western Road, this would remove the traffic lights and make Dyke Road a priority - "give way" - junction but with traffic light crossings being retained on Western Road for pedestrians, this change would reduce waiting time for pedestrians at the Clock Tower and speed up bus journeys through the area - the bus gate restriction would be relocated from Churchill Square to the Clock Tower with access to Queen Square instead being provided via Dyke Road
• Additional cycle parking, seating and tree planting
• New loading bay opposite Sillwood Road

The council report said: "It is acknowledged the scheme will be disruptive and construction work could take up to two years.

"However, this would be phased to minimise the impact on businesses at any one time.

"There is a critical need to resurface the road and pavements on Western Road.

"A comprehensive scheme, including renewal of street furniture, lighting etc. would be less disruptive than repeated work in future years if resurfacing was carried out now on its own.

"Officers will be working closely with businesses and bus operators to ensure that disruption can be kept to a minimum, as well as community and disability groups to ensure access throughout works.

"Priority will be given to ensuring pedestrians can access businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic and work will be paused where possible during key trading periods."