Newhaven Town Centre: pedestrian-focused High Street improvements

Root And Erect is leading a £1.5 million public realm improvement project in Newhaven town centre, commissioned by Lewes District Council as part of a wider ambition to revitalise the High Street and surrounding routes. The upgrades are part of the Council’s long-term vision to re-centre the town around people, green infrastructure and a more connected public realm to benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike. The scheme prioritises pedestrian movement, accessibility and legibility to create a more welcoming town centre.

Aspirations and proposals are tested through a collaborative and community-focused design process. Engagement activities include interviews, workshops and on-site consultation to ensure that the people of Newhaven help shape their spaces.

As a historic port town, Newhaven has a rich narrative shaped by maritime infrastructure, migration and trade. Working in collaboration with Civic Engineers, lighting designers Studio Dekka and graphic designers Polimekanos, Root And Erect have been developing a design language that is local to Newhaven and its seaside location: A belvedere invites to enjoy long views and immediate shopping activities. Distinct wayfinding trees are part of a seaside planting palette which provides extensive greening and frames places for pause and socialising. Stone features are inspired by the nearby beach and cliff landscape. Artist collaborations will provide a treasure hunt of local fauna and features carved into stone. Newhaven’s night-time safety and atmosphere will be much improved with more considered and softer lighting. Inspired by lighthouses, Fresnel lens light patterns provide local highlights and wayfinding.

Our town centre masterplan creates a distinctive, connected and resilient place that will help strengthen Newhaven’s social and economic vitality. Our proposals are designed holistically and can be rolled out as more of the town centre becomes available for renewal.

Completion of the main phase is targeted for 2026.