Release date: 8 October 2026
Residents, businesses and local groups are being invited to share their views on plans for a new walking and cycling route linking Chichester city centre with Oaklands Park, the University of Chichester and St Richard's Hospital.
West Sussex County Council has launched a six-week public consultation on proposed improvements along the A286 Oaklands Way. The plans aim to make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle between Northgate roundabout, Oaklands Way, College Lane, the University of Chichester and St Richard's Hospital by providing a continuous route along the north side of Oaklands Way, with separate space for walking and cycling.
The proposals also include improved signage to make the route easier to follow, raised crossing points to help slow traffic and make people waiting to cross more visible to drivers, upgrading tactile paving at crossing points, and trimming back trees and shrubs where needed to improve visibility and make better use of the available space.
Work carried out so far includes surveys of the area, a tree assessment, development of an initial design and an independent road safety review.
Councillor Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Oaklands Way is an important route used by people travelling between the city centre, university, hospital and Oaklands Park.
"These proposals aim to make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, helping to deliver our ambition for more sustainable travel while supporting healthier lifestyles and better-connected communities.
"We want to hear from as many people as possible before the design is finalised, so I would encourage residents, businesses and anyone who regularly travels through the area to take part in the consultation and share their views."
Feedback from the consultation will be used to help refine the proposals before the next stage of the design process, which is expected to begin in early 2027.
The consultation runs until 19 November 2026. Residents can view the proposals and complete the survey on the Your Voice West Sussex website, or attend a drop-in event at New Park Centre, Chichester, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 15 October 2026.
