Major Littlehampton project launched with breaking ground event
Work has begun on the eagerly anticipated £3.5 million project to regenerate Littlehampton Town Centre with the first ground being dug this week.
A ceremony was held to mark the event, attended by Councillor Shaun Gunner, Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Jacky Pendleton, Littlehampton Mayor, Councillor Michelle Malloy, contractors Edburton, and Chair of Littlehampton Traders Partnership, Celia Thomson-Hitchcock.
The project comprises the first two phases of the £6 million, five phase Littlehampton Town Centre Public Realm Improvements and covers the pedestrianised High Street (including Duke Street, St Martin’s Lane and Clifton Road), Beach Road, and a stretch of East Street. This work is expected to be completed by December 2022.
Cllr Shaun Gunner, Leader of Arun District Council, said: "This work will improve the look and feel of Littlehampton, including new trees, new seating, CCTV and 20 mph zones. This money is levelling up in action and will see a real and direct benefit to Littlehampton as people will come and invest in our town. This is part of a range of measures - including the community wardens and £2,000 shopfront grants - all designed to lift our town up.
"We received the bulk of this money from the Government's Coastal Communities Fund to make Littlehampton an even better place to live, work and visit. This shows that the Government cares about Littlehampton's future and prosperity, as we see the benefit from the Levelling Up agenda.
"I look forward to seeing the works finish, and I will keep fighting for additional money to support our towns in Arun."
Designed to make the town centre a more attractive and welcoming place, the project involves:
- Updating road layouts to give pedestrians priority
- Resurfacing pavements, roads, and pedestrianised areas with higher quality materials to create a more attractive and unique look
- Planting trees and greenery, creating new seating, and street furniture
- Updating signage to aid pedestrians navigating their way around the town centre
- Contributing to the overall regeneration plans for Littlehampton by improving links between the town centre, riverside and seafront.
Funding for the first two phases is from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund (£2.45M), Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund (£564,000) and £200,000 from both Arun District Council and Littlehampton Town Council. Further funding will be sought to complete all phases of the project.
The project was launched early in the new year in order not to disrupt Christmas trade. All businesses will remain open, and traders will be kept fully informed with the progression of the work.
Whilst the work is being done a section of St Martins car park will be closed as it will be used as the contractor’s main compound. Alternative parking is available at Manor House, Anchor Springs, and Surrey Street car parks. Littlehampton’s Friday Market will continue to operate but its location may change weekly. Advanced notice will be given for the temporary relocations.
Further information is available on our webpage https://www.arun.gov.uk/la-public-realm
Separate funding of £19.4m for schemes to improve Littlehampton seafront and Bognor Regis’ Alexandra Theatre will come from the Levelling Up Fund.