Communities across West Sussex are benefitting from nearly £300million of Growth Deal investment in the county.
Growth Deals, a partnership between the county council, district and borough councils, businesses and local organisations, focus public and private funding where it will make the biggest difference for residents.
Over the last five years, 87 projects across 34 locations, including Crawley, Burgess Hill, Littlehampton and Worthing have revitalised town centres, seafronts and public spaces creating more welcoming, accessible, and attractive places for residents and visitors.
Along with improvements to public spaces and transport infrastructure, the Growth Deals have contributed to the delivery of:
- more than 30 miles of new cycle routes, making it easier and safer for people to travel sustainably
- 18,700 new homes, helping to ease pressure on the housing market
- 16,000 new jobs, enabling more people to live and work locally.
- improved digital connectivity, including wider access to full fibre broadband, supporting residents and businesses with faster, more reliable internet
- 800,000 square metres of new commercial space, the equivalent of over 100 football pitches
- modern workspaces that have helped companies to innovate and grow and to attract more high value businesses to West Sussex
- an anticipated £1 billion of additional private sector investment in the county
Originally designed as a five-year programme, the success of the Growth Deals has led to their extension through to 2030. This next phase aims to secure even greater levels of public and private investment, ensuring continued improvements to the infrastructure, places and opportunities that support residents’ quality of life.
Councillor Garry Wall, cabinet member for economy and skills said: "Extending our Growth Deals means we can keep investing in the things that matter most to our communities.
“Over the coming years, this programme will build on its success and help us support local businesses to deliver on their growth plans, attract new employers to the county, create jobs and strengthen the skills our workforce needs for the future. It will also allow us to back the transition to a greener, more sustainable economy by improving active travel routes, supporting low carbon initiatives and enhancing our natural environment.
“At the same time, we’ll be investing in the infrastructure our towns and villages rely on, from transport and digital connectivity to new homes and workspace. We’ll continue working with our district and borough partners to create vibrant, distinctive places where people want to live, work and spend time. This is a long-term commitment to ensuring West Sussex continues to thrive and remains a great place for everyone.”
Projects recently delivered through the Growth Deals include:
Western Boulevard, Crawley – £1.5m: a redesigned road layout with new bus infrastructure and improved walking and cycling connections, supporting Crawley’s wider town centre transformation.
Bognor Regis seafront– £16.3m: a major upgrade to the esplanade has introduced new crossings, a safer 20mph zone, improved walkways, a rain‑garden and more places to stop and enjoy the sea views. The Alexandra Theatre has been revitalised with a modern auditorium and a refreshed façade. Together, these projects are creating a more vibrant, accessible and welcoming destination for residents and visitors.
Railway Approach, Worthing – £3m: a transformed station entrance with a new tree-lined avenue and heritage-inspired mosaics, it also now includes better accessibility, upgraded lighting and CCTV. Enhanced safety features include a new contraflow cycle lane and a raised crossing that slows traffic and prioritises pedestrians.
Projects currently underway include:
Chichester: North Street and East Street – £10.5m: a major upgrade to the city centre’s outdoor spaces, delivering new paving, planting, seating, digital and phone connectivity and improved accessibility to create a safer, more attractive and welcoming environment.
Crawley Station gateway – £7.4m: a major improvement programme to Crawley’s main station, creating a safer, more attractive and accessible arrival point. Walking and cycling routes to and from the station have been improved, alongside a reconfigured bus station and a better transport interchange.
Burgess Hill: Victoria Business Park – £3m: a range of sustainable transport improvements to support low-carbon travel, including enhanced walking and cycling routes, junction upgrades and new road crossings.
