The Living Cliffe scheme, Lewes
The Living Cliffe scheme aims to reduce motor vehicle traffic in Cliffe High Street in Lewes and provide an attractive, pedestrian-friendly area that can accommodate loading and cycling. We are keen to retain the vibrant and distinctive character of this historic street.
We hope to create a public space where it is easier, safer and more pleasant for people to trade, shop and socialise.
Artist's impression, looking east
Revised construction timetable
The second stage of construction started in June 2008. During this phase,
Cliffe High Street will be closed to through traffic during these works:
The road between between Bear Road and Morris Road will be narrowed and resurfaced with the same type of block as Cliffe Bridge. The brick pavements will be completely re-laid.
Cliffe High Street between Morris Road and South Street will be resurfaced at the end of the project.
Water and gas mains replacement
The majority of the old cast-iron water main in Cliffe High Street has now been replaced with new pipes.
The gas main works have now started between Bear Yard and Morris Road. This work needs to be completed in warmer weather, due to higher demands for gas in the winter. This is planned to be completed by the end of October 2008. If this work is delayed, it will be continued in spring 2009 before the pedestrian works are carried out.
Culvert strengthening
Work to strengthen the culverts (drains) running under Cliffe High Street has now started. It involves uncovering the brick arches and installing a protective reinforced concrete layer. The culverts were weakened by utility companies driving their pipes through them in the past. This work is also planned to be completed by the end of October 2008.
Pedestrian zone
This will involve narrowing the road between Bear Yard and Morris Road and replacing the current road surface to match the surface over Cliffe Bridge. The brick footways will be completely re-laid up to Morris Road. The road between Morris Road and South Street will be resurfaced at the end of the project. This work will be carried out between January and June 2009.
Planned improvements
Currently, Cliffe High Street has very narrow pavements and the road carries a significant amount of through-traffic. Pedestrians often have to step into the road and it is particularly difficult for people using wheelchairs, pushing prams or those with mobility or other disabilities.
The Living Cliffe scheme will remove all through traffic from the main section of the Cliffe and we expect the number of vehicles using that section of the road to be reduced by approximately 70%.
The design includes features that make it clear to all road users that Cliffe High Street is a place where pedestrians have priority. Vehicles will only be allowed access for loading or to disabled parking spaces. A 20mph speed limit will be put in place.
The new Pedestrian Zone between Railway Lane and Morris Road will include:
- disabled parking and loading bays
- widening of pedestrian footways
- narrowing the road for vehicles
- sympathetic use of materials.
Two-way traffic along Cliffe High Street between Morris Road and the junction with Malling Street and South Street will:
- remove the need for vehicles to travel through the Pedestrian Zone
- allow access to homes and parking in the area via Malling Street.
There will also be:
- bicycle parking facilities
- two-way cycling.
Previous stages of construction
The first stage of construction was completed in July 2007 and included:
- widening of one side of the pedestrian footway over Cliffe Bridge
- alterations to the pavement at the junction with Morris Road
- new kerb build-out and speed bump in Railway Lane
- widening of the Cliffe High Street car park.
Background and consultation
89% of residents who responded to our 2006 consultation supported the Living Cliffe scheme.
We first asked for comments on the idea of pedestrian improvements for Cliffe High Street during a consultation in September 2002. Initial designs were developed and further consultation was carried out as part of the 2006 Lewes Streets Ahead consultation.
The Lead Member for Transport and Environment approved the scheme in November 2006 after considering a report summarising the results of the 2006 consultation.
Further information
Kevin Sherhod – Public Liaison Officer
Kevin is based in the temporary office located in the Phoenix Centre Car Park. He will be available to assist with deliveries, access problems and general day to day issues.
Telephone our Customer Access Team who will arrange for Kevin to contact you: 0845 60 80 193.
