Multimillion-pound Chichester city centre revamp approved

West Sussex County Council has approved funding to move ahead with the Chichester Public Realm Improvement Scheme, which will regenerate Chichester’s North Street and East Street.

The £10.5 million scheme will rip up worn, uneven paving and replace it with York Stone and new planting.

A central tarmac strip will also be introduced to take the strain from delivery vehicles and cut long-term maintenance costs.

Joy Dennis, the council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This project enables us to address the long standing safety and maintenance issues in North Street and East Street, helping ensure these important routes remain safe and accessible for all.

"The use of York Stone alongside a central tarmac strip strikes the right balance between preserving Chichester’s heritage and providing a robust, practical surface for everyday use."

Planners added the natural stone after residents said they wanted the city’s character protected during a public consultation.

The upgrade will also add new seating, clearer signs and kit to support 4G from multiple mobile operators.

Teams are also looking at how to feature local artists’ work in the new layout.

Councillor Gary Wall, cabinet member for economy and skills, said: "This project presents a rare opportunity to create a more inclusive, vibrant and economically resilient city centre, with better public spaces, stronger links to Chichester’s historic character and improved digital innovation."

The council previously undertook drilling works in preperation for the scheme in January.

The project will be funded primarily by the county council, which will put in more than £7 million.

The rest of the money will come from the city and district councils, developer funds and selling reclaimed stone.

Next comes the hunt for a contractor, with a firm expected to be appointed by autumn 2026.

Building work is due to start in spring 2027 and finish in 2028.