Major work to improve the “look and feel” of a popular shopping area of the city will begin this month.

Improvements, expected to take around 18 months, will begin on Western Road in the next week.

Brighton and Hove City Council said the changes will make the area more pleasant for shoppers, encourage "more cycling, wheeling and walking," making it easier to travel through the city and will improve air quality.

From Monday, January 9, eastbound buses and taxis using Western Road between Montpelier Road and the Churchill Square Shopping Centre will be diverted via upper North Street.

Westbound traffic will still be able to use the road.

Access will remain to all shops and businesses along the road during opening hours and a pedestrian route will be provided alongside the works.

During the project, there will be a need for some overnight working to ensure access is maintained during the day.

However, these works will be at limited times only and expected at the start and end of the project.

The work will include:

  • A resurfaced road
  • Resurfaced and tidier pavements
  • A simpler road layout with a central strip to help with pedestrian crossing
  • More cycle parking, seating and tree planting
  • Improved pedestrian crossings
  • A redesign of the junction with Dyke Road

A council spokesman said: “We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we work to make the area a better place for residents, shoppers and visitors.”

Money from three government grants, the Active Travel Fund, Highway Maintenance Challenge Fund and the Bus Service Improvement Plan is being used to improve Western Road.

The council’s Carbon Neutral Fund will also fund parts of the project such as cycling infrastructure and tree planning.

Councillor Elaine Hills, who co-chairs the environment, transport and sustainability committee said: “We are committed to supporting our city’s businesses so it’s great to see that the new year is beginning with a scheme that will really improve the look and feel of this busy part of the city.

“Western Road is a great area for shopping and eating and browsing  and these improvements will  make it even more welcoming for residents whether they are walking, wheeling or taking a bus.

“I realise the work will mean some disruption for a while, but this scheme will have long term benefits for our residents, businesses and local economy for years to come.”

A public consultation on the scheme was held in Spring 2021 and the scheme was agreed by the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee in July 2021.