Virtual exhibition to showcase proposals for key gateway into Worthing

The Railway Approach scheme is connected to both the regeneration at Teville Gate and a partnership programme of town centre public realm improvements, including Portland Road - all representing a major investment in the Worthing economy.

An innovative, virtual exhibition is being created to give people an opportunity to see proposals to revitalise a key ‘gateway’ area into Worthing.

Public engagement on the Railway Approach proposals starts on 29 March and will include the interactive exhibition room, where online visitors can “move around”, click on areas of interest, see plans and visualisations, select information to read and contact the project team for more information.

The proposals aim to provide accessible and attractive spaces for residents and visitors alike, including pedestrians, cyclists, and train, bus, and taxi users. They include:

• A new-look pavement area in front of the town’s central railway station, with a new pedestrian crossing and planting
• A boulevard effect at the Eastern part of scheme, with wider pavements, a tree-lined area and planting. 

A letter is being sent to around 14,000 residents and businesses inviting comments on the proposals.  These local people will be given a link to access the exhibition that will “open” on the 31 March and run until 30 April.  Online briefing sessions are also planned with the project team making a short presentation and answering questions.

Anyone who is unable to access the internet can telephone and request information to be posted to them.

The Railway Approach improvement project is being led by the county council, working in partnership with Worthing Borough Council and with Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) funding.

Roger Elkins, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: “These exciting proposals aim to breathe new life into a key area for Worthing, with its many transport links into the town centre.

“The innovative approach of a virtual, interactive exhibition will give people the chance to have their say about the proposals online during the COVID-19 restrictions.”

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "Railway Approach plays an integral role in welcoming thousands of people every day to our town which is why this planned investment is so important to the wider regeneration of Worthing.

"It forms part of our ambitious joined-up approach to make it easier, safe and more inviting for people to walk and cycle between the station and seafront. With lots of new planting, seating areas and Citizen WiFi, they will become places where people will want to spend time.

"I want to thank county colleagues for working with us so closely on this and the other multi million pound public realm schemes. Work is already underway at Portland Road and we have identified Montague Place as the next location for investment. All will help support our town and our local businesses post-lockdown."