Construction has started on an £8.85m scheme to breathe new life into the heart of Crawley and support its economic growth
The project will support the delivery of residential development in Crawley town centre – the Crawley Growth Programme identifies a commitment to secure the delivery of more than 1,000 additional homes needed in the town centre to create a new neighbourhood where people live and work.
The scheme covers the eastern half of The Boulevard, Exchange Road, the southern end of Northgate Avenue, College Road, Southgate Avenue, up to and including the junction with Station Way.
It will also support the delivery of commercial development in Crawley town centre: the Crawley Growth Programme identifies an aspiration to provide an additional 135,000sqm of commercial space across the borough.
The Crawley Growth Programme is being delivered by a major partnership of public and private organisations, including the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council, Metrobus, Gatwick Airport Limited and Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID) Company.
Improving town centre connectivity
Key stakeholders visited the Eastern Gateway project on Tuesday (29 June) to see the start of work on a scheme to improve town centre connectivity and public spaces and support development opportunities at the Town Hall, County Buildings, Telford Place and Crawley College.
Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council Cabinet representative on the Crawley Growth Programme, said: “This is a really exciting milestone moment in this Crawley Growth Programme project.
“It’s great to see that construction is underway after all the hard work that has gone into developing the scheme which will help breathe new life into the heart of Crawley.”
Colin Bexley, project manager for principal contractor VolkerFitzpatrick, added: “We have been involved with this project from the initial design and planning stages and are delighted to now be starting the construction phase of the works.
“We are looking forward to continuing to build our relationships with West Sussex County Council, Crawley Brough Council and local stakeholders, whilst delivering the long-awaited upgrade to the outskirts of the town centre.”
