Rampion to fund '˜much-needed facelift' to Shoreham Beach gateway

The walkway leading to the local nature reserve on Shoreham Beach is to receive a '˜much-needed facelift' after Rampion Offshore Wind agreed to fund a landscaping scheme, a council spokesman said.
The pathway leading to Shoreham Beach has been described as 'overgrown and unkempt'. Image from Google EarthThe pathway leading to Shoreham Beach has been described as 'overgrown and unkempt'. Image from Google Earth
The pathway leading to Shoreham Beach has been described as 'overgrown and unkempt'. Image from Google Earth

The funds will be used to redesign and upgrade the walkway, which leads on from Ferry Road to form the final part of the link between the Shoreham pedestrian bridge and Shoreham Beach, according to the spokesman.

“At present the walkway is overgrown and unkempt and as the prime entrance to the beach, is ripe for improvement,” said the spokesman.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The work will aim to ensure beachgoers have a positive welcome as they arrive at the beach, with a view of the wind farm straight ahead.”

The works will include ‘sensitive and appropriate’ landscaping and planting, a bicycle rack, and signage, to create a new public gateway, the spokesman said.

The Parks and Open Spaces Department of Adur and Worthing Council will coordinate the work.

There will be consultations and all the relevant community groups with an interest in the beach and local area will have the chance to be involved, the spokesman said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Emma Evans, executive member for environment at the council, said: “I am delighted that our successful partnership with Rampion has yielded this funding and will result in a much needed refurbishment programme, to enhance access to one of the most beautiful areas on the West Sussex coastline.”

She said a new ‘pedestrian friendly footpath’ will encourage both residents and visitors to make greater use of Shoreham Beach – which in turn will attract ‘greater tourist spend’ with local businesses.

“It is no secret that local authorities across the UK are having to work closer with the business community and develop commercial partnerships to secure funding for schemes such as this,” she said.

More details of the planned public consultations will be announced later in the Spring, she added, to which she urges all residents to take part.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chris Tomlinson, Rampion development and stakeholder manager, said: “We are pleased to fund the Shoreham Beach gateway project, which will provide an enhanced environment and fitting welcome for visitors to the unique habitat of Shoreham Beach.

“The landscaping scheme will complete the integral pedestrian link from Shoreham town centre to the beach, and will have a positive impact on the surrounding area for residents and visitors alike.”

As well as the landscaping scheme, Rampion will fund the installation of a telescope on the beach, he said: “So that people can take a closer look at the offshore environment, where in the coming months the wind farm will really begin to take shape as the turbines are gradually installed.”

Work is likely to start onsite in autumn this year, subject to relevant planning permissions being in place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.shorehamherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ShorehamHerald

3) Follow us on Twitter @Shoreham_Herald

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Shoreham Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: