Southwick Square

Southwick Square back open for business: please see the press release about the re-opening of Southwick Square (on Saturday, 7th October 2023) for full details, and also more photos on our Adur DC Facebook page.

Introduction

Adur District Council is re-designing and updating the popular Southwick Square seating and park area by the east parade.

This scheme will dramatically improve the look and feel of this much loved pedestrian area. Situated in front of the east parade the tired public realm will see a significant upgrade in design featuring local materials, new planting and the removal of the steps and walls to the north, offering a clearer view to the shops and bars behind.

In addition the new scheme will feature sustainable pedestrian lighting and a large open space suitable for events, performances, seasonal concessions and markets, not to mention the Southwick Christmas tree!

Improved accessibility, community safety and sustainability lie at the heart of Adur's newest public realm upgrade.

For more details of the proposals see the design proposal images and FAQs below.

You can let us know your thoughts, comments and questions by emailing:

economyteam@adur-worthing.gov.uk

What will it look like?

Proposed design: Southwick Square, looking west (artist's impression):

Southwick Square, looking west (artist impression)

Existing: Southwick Square, looking west:

Southwick Square, looking west

Proposed design: Southwick Square, looking north east (artist's impression):

Southwick Square, looking north east (artist impression)

Existing: Southwick Square, looking north east:

Southwick Square, looking north east

Proposed design: Southwick Square (artist's impression):

Southwick Square (artist impression)

Existing: Southwick Square:

Southwick Square

Proposed design: Southwick Square, plan (artist's impression):

Southwick Square, plan (artist impression)

Southwick Square FAQs - frequently asked questions

What can the new Square be used for?

The new square will feature a larger open space suitable for multiple uses such as performances, markets, a café 'spill-out' area and improved seating for visitors to Southwick to rest and enjoy the new planting and refreshed landscaping.

How much will the new Square cost, and how is it funded?

The cost of the scheme is estimated to be between £550,000 - £600,000.

85% of the project is being funded through the Adur Growth Deal (West Sussex County Council).

15% is being funded by Adur District Council.

Both funding streams are ring fenced for capital works only.

Who is managing the project?

The scheme is being designed and managed by Project Centre Ltd in partnership with Adur District Council as client managers. A contractor will be appointed to deliver the construction works.

When will the construction start, and how long will it take to build?

It is anticipated that the work on site will start in early 2023 and last approximately 20 weeks.

What are the design features of the new scheme?

The proposed scheme will provide an open, step free, accessible and flexible space within the heart of Southwick. The design has been guided by both visual and pedestrian desire lines, improving the aesthetic and accessibility of the space while activating the parade frontage.

The materials being proposed have a close dialogue and architectural context, respecting the local heritage and identity of Southwick, eg flint walls.

Other design elements include:

New pedestrian lighting
New street furniture
Hard and soft landscaping
Children's planting pathways
Retention of the existing plaque and installation of a new one to celebrate the new scheme and perhaps the Coronation of King Charles III

How will the new scheme be accessible?

The scheme promotes active travel and in particular moving through the created space with better accessibility, allowing a more comfortable experience for visitors. This will be achieved by removal of walls, steps and level changes that cause accessibility difficulties currently.

In what way is the scheme sustainable?

The scheme has been developed with sustainability as a key design feature:

Local design team employed to reduce travel
Locally based contractors will be invited to tender for the works to reduce travel
Reuse of existing paving materials
Increase in total areas of permeable land (ie soft landscaping) to reduce surface water run off
Surface Water management to irrigate new soft landscaping elements
Low maintenance and drought tolerant native planting scheme across the site to enhance biodiversity and air quality
New low energy LED lighting
New materials will be sourced locally and made from recycled material whenever possible (all from certified sources)
Paving and brick materials removed from site will be recycled for future use

Will the pine trees be included in the new design?

Yes, the existing pine trees will be reassessed by the Council's arborists and along with some ginkgo and birches, the pines will be retained within the proposed design. The scheme will also include new trees and shrubs.

Will the Christmas tree be included in the new scheme?

Absolutely! A new tree pit will be incorporated into the design as a seasonal feature in a north/central position within the open space.

How will the scheme prevent anti-social behaviour such as skate boarding?

During the detailed design street furniture and walls will be designed with anti-skating detailing to prevent this use. The new space is significantly opened out and features clear sight lines, designed with community safety at its core.

What is wrong with the Square now?

The existing environment (a combination of older styles) is tired and prevents direct access from the parade to the Square. The pedestrian lighting is not sustainable and requires upgrading. The space and planting is now dated and cluttered, preventing flexibility of use for events or markets.

Who will benefit from the scheme?

We believe that the local community, businesses and visitors to Southwick Square will all benefit from the new scheme. Creating a more inviting space will benefit the local economy through increased footfall, longer dwell-time and reduce anti-social behaviour. New green infrastructure will improve both biodiversity and air quality.

Who will be building the scheme?

The works will be tendered in accordance with Adur District Council's procurement policy and Council standing orders. Local civil engineering companies will be invited to submit a tender. Following tender evaluation, it is hoped the contract will be awarded in early 2023.

Will the construction cause disruption?

Disruption during the construction will be kept to a minimum. Access to the parade and all businesses/shops will be maintained throughout the construction period.

Working hours will be restricted to:

Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 1pm (if required)
Sunday & Bank Holidays: No works on site

Working outside these hours will only be permitted by prior agreement with the Council.

Will access through the archways be maintained throughout construction?

Yes, access through the archways leading to the surface car park, at either end of the parade, will be maintained at all times during the construction.