Company chosen to deliver Littlehampton town centre transformation works

West Sussex-based Edburton Contractors has been chosen to deliver the first two stages of the project, including the pedestrianised High Street, Beach Road and the High Street junction with East Street and Beach Road.

The works are part of an overall £6 million plan to transform Littlehampton’s town centre and make it a more attractive and welcoming place to work, visit, socialise and spend time.

Funding of £3.5 million for the initial stages has come 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.

Arun District Council says it plans to apply for further external funding to complete all phases as the project progresses.

James Walsh, leader of Arun District Council and cabinet member for the economy, said: “Improving the attractiveness and vitality of Littlehampton town centre will provide a major boost after what has been an incredibly difficult period for traders and shoppers alike.”

Jonathan Storey, commercial director at Edburton Contractors, added: “We are delighted to be involved with the design and build of this prestigious scheme and using our considerable experience and expertise to provide important improvements to the town centre of Littlehampton. “

Littlehampton town mayor David Chace added: “It is great news that a contractor has been appointed to take forward this vital scheme for Littlehampton town centre. When completed, this will bring a significant boost to the town’s economy.”

Working with the project board, Edburton Contractors and its chosen design partner The Project Centre, will develop the designs from the current outline stage through to a fully detailed proposal.

Once approved, construction will be carried out in planned phases, in order to minimise disruption to retailers, residents and visitors alike.

A date for when the works will start will be announced once the detailed civil engineering and construction plans and legal requirements have been completed. Earlier this month the council came in for heavy criticism for delays to the project.

Several councillors also felt the stretch from the railway station to the High Street should have been a higher priority.

The Littlehampton town centre public realm improvement scheme includes:

• Updating road layouts and traffic flow to give pedestrians priority and make the most of public open spaces.

• Resurfacing existing pavements, roads and pedestrianised areas to create a higher-quality attractive, more unique look for the town centre.

• Replacing existing benches, seating, trees, public art and street furniture to open sight lines and make the town centre a more enjoyable place to visit and spend time.

• Making it easier for shoppers and visitors to navigate their way around the town centre on foot.

• Contributing to the overall strategic regeneration plans for Littlehampton, including improving links between the town centre, riverside and seafront.

The grant funding secured for the public realm improvements cannot be used for any other purpose.