LBP are very pleased to announce that Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council has reviewed Phase 1 of the LBP Road Improvement Works, confirmed Phase 2 and even planned Phase 3!

Back in May 2024, Phase 1 was temporarily placed on hold following continual rain and heavy HGV movements exposed the full extent of the required substructure works. West Sussex Highways quickly restructured the project and implemented a new Phase 1 Road Improvement Plan, which saw extensive substructure repairs throughout August and September 2024. As part of these works, FM Conway (infrastructure specialists) filled all the potholes with an interim surface to improve road conditions for businesses, staff and visitors to the park.

LBP then discussed the ongoing need for further works with Cllr Paul Marshall who kindly agreed to review the project and budget, to determine how best West Sussex County Council could support the needs of the second largest employment area in the county. 

LBP are pleased to now share the outcome of Cllr Paul Marshall’s project review: 

'As you highlight it has been another very difficult wet year having considerable impact across the highway network. 

I’ve sought advice from the team on the issues raised in your email and I’m pleased to confirm with the repairs to the substructure of the roads (“Phase 1”) now complete. The team has developed a plan comprising a further two phases, which will incorporate resurfacing of all the publicly maintainable roads within the Business Park.

• Phase 2: resurfacing of Spencer Road and Commerce Way. These two roads are a flexible (tarmac) construction, and the intention is to resurface them in the early part of 2025.
  

• Phase 3: resurfacing of all other roads within the Business Park. The remaining roads are a rigid (concrete) construction. Design work will take place over the winter with the aim of construction taking place during the 2025/26 financial year. A specialist product specifically designed for rigid roads is being investigated for this phase, with a view to ensuring a high quality and long-lasting finish is achieved
  

Both of the remaining phases can be carried out at night to minimise the impact on individual businesses. The funding for Phase 2 is already available, and whilst the budget for the 2025/26 financial year will not be confirmed until early 2025, funding has been provisionally allocated in the draft delivery programme to enable Phase 3 to take place in full.

Once all phases are completed this improved highways infrastructure will add value to the business park as a location for businesses in the region.’

LBP would like to thank Cllr Paul Marshall and West Sussex County Council for their understanding and support for the 250 businesses and 3000 employees who work on Lancing Business Park.

West Sussex Highways has also confirmed that as Phase 1 was implemented successfully whilst retaining business access, FM Conway’s services have been secured for Phase 2 and Phase 3 deliveries. LBP will therefore be working with West Sussex Highways and FM Conway to plan these deliveries to minimise impact to businesses on the park, especially our 24/7 operators. 

More news to follow in the New Year!