In 2015, the South Downs National Park were undertaking pre-application discussions on a major mixed-use development on the fringe of Lewes town centre, but felt that the highway proposals were too focused on the movement of traffic and did not create a high degree of placemaking in this historic town centre.

The National Park therefore commissioned PJA to develop a highways scheme which would create a lower speed environment and improved conditions for walking and cycling whilst still accommodating the required traffic volume.

PJA prepared a series of well designed, compact traffic signal junctions to deal with the high volumes of town traffic, whilst significantly improving pedestrian movement.   The work had a strong placemaking focus, seeking the creation of strong links between the existing town centre, the new development, and other parts of Lewes.  Tree planting and creating clean uncluttered streetscape was a core part of the design approach.  PJA used Vissim microsimulation modelling to help assess the scheme benefits.

As a result of the work, the scheme was granted outline consent in 2016.  Subsequently, PJA were novated to the developer, Santon and are currently assisting with the detailed design of the works and the preparation of a Section 278 Design Pack.