These images show how a bustling street filled with traffic could be transformed into a tranquil parade linking key city attractions.

Brighton and Hove City Council is spending up to £1 million on improvements to New Road, Brighton, to make it attractive, pedestrian-friendly and safe.

The road links North Laine with The Lanes and attractions such as the Dome, the Royal Pavilion and gardens, the Theatre Royal and the Jubilee library.

But at the moment it is unfriendly and inhospitable to pedestrians and cyclists, attracts fast-moving cars and is cluttered with signs and other street furniture.

It can also attract antisocial behaviour in the evenings.

The council wants both residents and visitors to be able to stroll around, relax and enjoy such a key part of the city without unduly hampering businesses that need car access.

So it hired top designers Gehl Architects from Copenhagen and charged them with the task of rebuilding the street in a way that would meet everyone's needs and look as attractive as possible.

Gehl came up with three options which were discussed in workshops with groups including the Brighton Society and the Regency Society as well as residents and businesses from New Road and the surrounding area.

The result is the preferred option pictured, which the council's environment committee will be asked on Thursday to approve for public consultation.

The street will be levelled out, with no pavements or road markings designating where cars, bicycles or pedestrians should be, meaning vehicles will be forced to travel slowly and give way to people on foot.

All unnecessary signs and street furniture will be removed.

Mid-height shrubbery around the Pavilion Gardens will be trimmed back to make the space visible from the street, though trees and flower beds will still surround the park to maintain its tranquility.

A wall along the edge of the garden will be turned into stone benching to encourage people to sit and relax and two trees will be planted at either end of the road.

New lighting will help discourage crime and antisocial behaviour and it is also hoped that this will lessen as more people sit and walk around the street into the evenings.

Jim Mayor, project manager in the council's transport department, said: "We chose Gehl because they are really hot on building spaces around the needs of the people that use it, rather that just trying to build something flash that will make a big statement. As a result we have got a design that is as close to perfect as it could be and everyone seems really happy with it."

Councillor Gill Mitchell, environment committee chairwoman, said: "New Road is in the heart of the city.

"It links to North Laine, The Lanes, Jubilee Street and Pavilion Gardens and has many attractions, such as theatres, restaurants, museum and the Royal Pavilion itself.

"The scheme shows how excellent design can make the space feel safer and easier to access and it sets the standard for future street design in the city."

A drop-in day where people can see the plans and take away feedback forms to make comment is planned for November 12, provided the environment committee gives approval.

The council will the liaise with businesses and residents to decide on the best time to build.

Friday, October 14, 2005