Chichester OpenDigital Project
Better connectivity
Poor mobile signal in Chichester city centre has been a frustration for businesses, residents and visitors for some time. Chichester OpenDigital is a partnership between West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council to enable improved mobile connectivity and support the city's future digital needs.
The project will create the infrastructure needed for mobile network operators to provide stronger and more reliable mobile coverage across key areas of the city centre.
Latest update
West Street works starting soon
We're preparing to begin the next phase of the Chichester Open Digital project on West Street.
The work, which will be taking place along West Street for three weeks, will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption.
The section of West Street between Chapel Street and the Dutch Roundabout will remain open with temporary two-way traffic management, while the section between Chapel Street and The Cross will be temporarily closed towards South Street.
Parking restrictions and some changes to bus services will also be needed during this period.
We're working closely with bus operators and local partners to keep disruption to a minimum and will share further updates as works progress.
Why we're doing this
Reliable mobile connectivity is an essential part of modern life. Businesses rely on it for payments and operations, while residents use it to access mobile apps and stay connected, and visitors expect consistent access to mobile networks while exploring the city.
Poor mobile signal has been a long-standing issue in parts of Chichester city centre. Chichester OpenDigital will help create the infrastructure needed to improve coverage and support the city's future digital needs.
What we're doing
We're installing new telecommunications infrastructure in Chichester city centre to support improved mobile coverage and network capacity.
The work includes laying underground fibre connections, installing five heritage-style street columns and locating supporting equipment in carefully selected locations. Mobile network operators will be able to use this infrastructure to improve existing services and provide better coverage in areas where signal can currently be unreliable.
Works will take place across key areas of the city centre, including:
- North Street
- South Street
- East Street
- West Street
- Tower Street
Most of the network will be connected underground through ducts and chambers housing fibre-optic cables. Three hub cabinets will also be installed on West Sussex County Council-owned land near Tower Street, close to the BT Exchange.
The project has been designed to fit sensitively within Chichester's historic environment and is being coordinated with wider city centre improvement works where possible.
The work forms part of public realm improvements being delivered across the city centre as part of the Chichester Growth Deal.
Related information:
Planned works
Works started on: Monday 21 September 2026
The project will be delivered in phases over several months.
Planned works programme
| Location | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tower Street | Street work | 21 September - 10 October |
| East Street | Street work | 21 September - 11 October |
| North Street | Street work | 28 September - 25 October |
| West Street (west end) | Street work | 5 October - 1 November |
| West Street (east end) | Street work | 19 November - 22 November |
| South Street | Street work | 19 November - 22 December |
| East Street + Little London | Street work | 02 December - 04 December |
| Chapel Street | Street work | 07 December - 08 December |
Timetables and milestone updates will be published on this page as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this improve my mobile signal in Chichester?
The infrastructure will make it possible for mobile network operators to improve their services in the city centre. The level of improvement may vary depending on your network provider, device and location.
Will there be disruption?
Some disruption is unavoidable while the work is carried out. We'll work closely with contractors to minimise impacts wherever possible and will provide advance notice of significant works.
Will businesses remain open?
Yes. Businesses will remain open during the works, although access arrangements may change temporarily in some locations. We will work with affected businesses to keep disruption to a minimum.
Is this a 5G project?
The project is not providing mobile services directly. It is installing telecommunications infrastructure that mobile network operators can use to improve existing services, including future network technologies where appropriate.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact chichesteropendigital@westsussex.gov.uk