Major improvements for Chichester City Centre

Thursday, 21 May 2026 07:00

By Karen Dunn, Local Democracy Reporter @V2RadioSussex

East Street in Chichester - Credit: Google Street View - LDRS

Anyone who has stumbled over uneven paving in Chichester city centre will be pleased to hear that money is to be spent on major improvements.

The district council has approved the use of £600,000 to pay for a range of public realm work along North Street and East Street – including the replacement of worn and uneven paving.

The money, which will be taken from reserves and added to a West Sussex County Council pot of more than £9m, was approved during a meeting of the council on Tuesday (May 19).

As well as the paving, the work will include the replacement of street furniture, the provision of planting and landscaped areas, drainage improvements, and the provision of electric connection points for market traders and events.

Alongside this, work has already started on the installation of ducting for high-speed internet under the Chichester Open Digital project. The project aims to improve mobile connectivity in Chichester city centre and is expected to go live in November.

John Cross, cabinet member for culture, sport & place, said: “Whilst Chichester District Council has no statutory duty to assist with the project, it is recognised that enhanced public realm can support businesses by regenerating the area and encouraging additional footfall.”

Deputy leader Jonathan Brown joked: “Hopefully it will increase the number of feet but reduce the number of falls.”

Work is expected to start in Spring 2027 and should take between 11 and 18 months.

Pedestrian and business access will be maintained at all times, although temporary footpath diversions may be needed.

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