A MAJOR town-centre road will be closed in the new year as work on a major new development begins.
A significant new regeneration scheme to transform Portland Road in Worthing into an "inclusive" space will begin in January.
The road will be closed from January 4 to the end of February to allow construction to begin.
The finalised plans highlight key features which will make the street a destination where "pedestrians are the priority".
Free ultrafast public WiFi, better lighting, comfortable seating areas, cycle racks and landscape planting will all form part of the proposals, which are designed to encourage people into the town centre and support local businesses.
Worthing Borough Council is managing the scheme, which is funded by West Sussex County Council and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.
This is the first scheme to be delivered as part of the growth deal, a joint project with the county council to rejuvenate eight public spaces in Worthing, from the train station to the seafront, over the next five to ten years.
Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “I’m so pleased the council is able to announce that work will commence for the Portland Road scheme.
"It will see the street transformed into a vibrant and inclusive space with a lovely, clean design that allows easy use for all.
“Despite the many struggles the Covid-19 pandemic has presented, it has not slowed down the council’s plans to breathe new life into this area of Worthing.
"We have looked very carefully at all aspects of the new public realm to ensure the space is suitable for people to enjoy from day to night - from when the cafes open until the bars close in the early hours of the morning - once Government restrictions are lifted.”
Local contractor Landbuild Ltd has been appointed to bring the project to life.
The space between Montague Street and Chandos Road will be pedestrianised with street furniture, including seating.
High-quality lighting, trees and landscape planting will also be installed.
There will be enough space for people to practise social distancing in the short term as well as a clear way for those who are visually impaired or have mobility issues to move around.
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