Bus station and town improvements given approval

Plans for major improvements to a bus station and its adjoining streets in a West Sussex town have been approved.

The application for phase one of the Station Gateway regeneration scheme in Crawley was given the nod during a council planning meeting on Monday.

The changes to the bus station in Friary Way include 11 redesigned bus stops and new shelters down the centre of the site, as well as the relocation of bus parking.

There will also be improvements to The Martlets, with new paving, trees planted along the centre, and seating and lighting to be installed.

The ash trees along the centre of Haslett Avenue West will be lost, something which concerned several councillors, but new ones will be planted, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The roundabout at the junction of The Broadway will be adapted to allow for longer buses.

Plans for Station Way include the introduction of a 20mph zone, new cycle lanes and bus lanes.

Michael Jones, Crawley Borough Council leader, said: "These proposals are an incredible opportunity for Crawley town centre to boost economic growth and attract future investment, in line with Crawley's economic recovery plan.

"It will enormously benefit residents for generations to come – and also reinforces our commitment locally to maintain and protect the vitality of the town centre in the face of wider challenges to retail and services."

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