A TOWN is looking to “brighten up” one of its pedestrian areas ahead of plans to make it permanently car-free.
Montague Place has been transformed into a pedestrianised area linking Worthing seafront to the town centre.
But Worthing Borough Council wants to make the move permanent and will be consulting with businesses and people in the area on the long term strategy for the street.
This is part of the council’s pledge to go carbon neutral by 2030 and offer an “attractive outdoor meeting space” for people in the town.
An array of colourful plants, shrubs, decorative lighting and seating areas have already been put in Montague Place.
A spokesman for the council said: “We wanted to transform Montague Place and provide residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors with an inviting landscaped open space that can be used for a variety of things - whether meeting up with friends for a coffee or something to eat at one of the many excellent eateries, relaxing in the sun or visiting one of the events that will be held over the summer.
“The new planters and flowers will really add some colour, while the new lighting and seating areas will make a perfect meeting place that is car-free and more aesthetically pleasing for everyone.
“Initially this is a temporary project and we are preparing an engagement exercise to understand what people want to see in the long term to benefit this wonderful area of the town centre.”
The council states that the area will be used for businesses on the street for outdoor dining, as well as events on the east side of Montague Place.
The disabled parking spaces that were temporarily relocated to Marine Parade outside Marks and Spencer have now been made permanent, while new disabled bays have also been installed in the Montague Quarter car park.
The loading bays at the seafront end of Montague Place will remain in place for business use.
Worthing Borough Council, working with West Sussex County Council (WSCC), will be asking residents and traders what they would like to see in Montague Place in the long-term. Work on the permanent new look could begin in 2023.
The council is also regenerating Portland Road and Railway Approach as part of a partnership agreement with WSCC.
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