Horsham District Council has revised its Bishopric area plans to improve access between the John Lewis/Waitrose area and Horsham town centre while preserving valued mature trees and adding a waterfall feature.
The updated design, presented by cabinet member for planning & infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher at the Cabinet meeting on 25 March, reflects extensive public feedback on earlier proposals.
The main priorities are to retain the mature trees on the western side of the Bishopric, introduce a waterfall at the Albion Way end, and open up the space so it is easier for all users to move between the shopping areas and the town centre. The scheme also aims to create more flexible space for businesses, outdoor dining and market trading, while keeping the area primarily pedestrian-friendly, with cyclists still welcome and no change to the existing shared-use arrangement.
Broader benefits include better connectivity for mobility-impaired users, improved street furniture and wayfinding signage, enhanced facilities for markets and outdoor events, and new urban green space with fresh planting. Cllr Fletcher thanked residents for their input, saying it helped reshape the proposals and that the Council has long understood the challenges of the area. She said the revised plans should strengthen access, connectivity and Horsham’s town-centre economy.
The project follows a long period of public engagement, starting with the Town Centre Statement adopted in 2017 and continuing through the Public Realm Strategy in 2021. Funding for detailed design and delivery was approved in 2023.
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