Worthing seafront pedestrian crossing move cost £48,000

The controversial relocation of a pedestrian crossing by a few metres on Worthing seafront cost around £48,000, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

The crossing, previously outside Marks & Spencer on Marine Parade, was moved earlier this year to align with Montague Place as part of the wider Montague Gardens transformation project.

The cost included decommissioning the old crossing, installing signals at the new location, kerbing, drainage, surfacing and paving.

Worthing Borough Council said the relocation creates a flat route from the town centre to the sea and followed consultation with disability groups, which had raised concerns about access to the previous crossing and the new promenade access ramp. Some residents criticised the cost and said the new position is less convenient for people using The Lido bus stop.

Green group leader Councillor Claire Hunt welcomed the consultation with disability groups but called for greater transparency over the costs and options considered, while Conservative group leader Councillor Richard Nowak questioned whether moving the crossing represented prudent financial management.

The crossing took nine weeks to move and forms part of the £3.1 million Montague Gardens scheme, which is nearing completion and aims to turn Montague Place into a new public green space. The project is being funded with £2.7 million from Worthing Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy strategic fund and £400,000 of pooled business rates agreed with West Sussex County Council.