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. Focused on key connections - including Elphick Road, the Bridge Street to North Way corridor, and the link from High Street to Church Hill - the scheme will prioritise pedestrian movement, accessibility and legibility. Enhancing the urban streetscape through improved wayfinding and material quality, the design aims to reduce the dominance of vehicles and create a more welcoming and coherent environment for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
Working in collaboration with Civic Engineers, lighting designers Studio Dekka and graphic designers Polimekanos, Root And Erect is developing a design language that reflects the character of Newhaven while promoting sustainable, user-friendly public space. These 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.
At the heart of the project is a collaborative and community-focused design process. Engagement activities - including workshops, interviews and on-site consultation - are currently underway, ensuring that the people of Newhaven help shape the spaces they use every day. The work builds on the aspirations set out in the town’s Neighbourhood Plan 2030, responding directly to long-standing community desires for improved accessibility, clearer orientation and more attractive public settings. As a historic port town, Newhaven has a rich narrative shaped by maritime infrastructure, migration and trade. The project acknowledges these layered identities while working to create a contemporary and inclusive civic fabric. By embedding local input and heritage references into a forward-looking streetscape design, the team aims to deliver a series of distinctive, connected and resilient places that will strengthen Newhaven’s social and economic vitality. Completion is targeted for March 2026.
“Make it a thriving town again. Bring life to the town"
Newhaven Resident