More than £600,000 could be spent on revitalising a town’s shopping precinct that is “showing its age” to make it a more vibrant area for visitors.

Adur District Council is working in partnership with West Sussex County Council on the Southwick Square initiative, which aims to transform the area with the input of local residents and businesses.

The council said Southwick Square is in “much need” of refurbishment, having received only “limited” investment for decades in comparison to other nearby areas.

It hopes the programme will “revitalise” the seating and park area by the east parade, making the area more inviting and accessible to visitors.

Under the plans, a larger open space would be used for performances, markets, and for people to sit and eat.

There would also be new pedestrian lighting, seating and gardens for people to walk through and enjoy.

There would be a space for the community Christmas tree while the existing pine trees would remain, and drought-resistant species will be added to improve air quality and increase biodiversity in the green areas.

The work will be funded by £87,000 from Adur District Council and up to £600,000 from the county council as part of the Adur Growth Deal, a five-year partnership programme of regeneration between the two councils.

Design work and technical studies for the scheme were completed in September, while the council carried out a public consultation in October to find out the views of residents and businesses.

The Argus: An artist's impression of what Southwick Square could look likeAn artist's impression of what Southwick Square could look like (Image: Adur District Council)

The council said it intends to look next month for a construction firm to complete the project, with the aim that work would begin in the spring and be completed by the summer.

Councillor Steve Neocleous, Adur's cabinet member for regeneration and strategic planning, said: “This partnership with West Sussex County Council is an exciting opportunity to redevelop Southwick Square.

“The area has always been a much-loved outdoor space but the plan is to dramatically improve the look and feel and make it the heart of the community.

“This project will create safe pedestrianised areas where residents and visitors feel confident they can enjoy the space within a sound environment, as well as boosting the economy, improving mental and health wellbeing and creating a legacy for the area.”

Councillor Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for support services and economic development, said: “I’m pleased to see plans for this scheme coming forward in alignment with our partnership work and the Adur Growth Deal. Delivering growth through improved sustainable access in town centres and digital connectivity to support businesses, residents and visitors is key to improving our local economy.”