The CRCA is very pleased to confirm that after five years of hard work initially by the Castle Road South Neighbours and Traders Association, then the CRCA, that the final design for the pedestrianisation, which our Director, Pete Codling led on for the local community has been agreed. Following successful recent public consultation, the pedestrianisation of Castle Road from Regent Place to Hambrook Street will commence on Monday 20th October 2025.
The detailed drawing shows exactly where work will take place, including the location of eight trees, which will be planted in early 2026, six in Castle Road and two on the junction with Kent Road.Work is scheduled to take place over 14 weeks, including a 2-week stand down over Christmas between 22nd December and 2nd January 2026.
Work will commence at the Hambrook Street junction, before progressing South down Castle Road. While no night work is planned, there may be some initial Saturday work setting out traffic management or to help accelerate the project if access is required during certain phases. Consideration is currently being given to waste bins, with one proposed outside of the Castle Convenience Store.Cycle storage is also under consideration, in line with PCC and CRCA policies to encourage sustainable transport and reduce the carbon footprint.A temporary bay for loading and storage will be created in Kent Road, requiring some temporary parking suspension.There will be a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) to divert traffic and cyclists, with signs to make drivers aware of the work, changes to priorities and access during the work.There will be a Council and Colas contact number provided during the works to raise any urgent matters; with your Directors picking up any issues with them directly too, including at weekly site meetings. The CRCA is looking forward to organising events and markets for the local community to enjoy the new space in Castle Road once work is completed.
If you have any question please send us an email to info@crca.uk
Update- 02.01.2026
Following their Christmas break, Colas will resume work on Monday 5th January, when Castle Road will be closed from the junction of Cecil Grove to Regent Place. This is so that the old tarmac road surface can be planed off, ready for the block paving to be laid. Please make sure that all vehicles are moved in advance and be aware that access will not be possible in that part of Castle Road while work is in progress. The works are currently on schedule, with an anticipated end date of early February. This ties in with the optimum time for planting, which will follow. Please find below the planting plan, which is being discussed with PCC and will be amended slightly, due to some utilities being closer to the surface than expected. Also find belowthe planned types of tree and plants to be used. Your CRCA Directors will be meeting on 15th January to consider progress, planting, including what we do with the existing planters, and enhancements to be sought, including arches for the road, cycle facilities and waste bins. We will also be considering how we celebrate the completion of the pedestrianisation works. Your thoughts and ideas would be appreciated. Email us: info@crca.uk The meeting on 15th January will also consider our proposed work plan and budget for 2026, including dates for all member general meetings; an update will be circulated after the meeting.
