Crawley Station Gateway

The proposals seek to transform spaces on The Martlets, Haslett Avenue West, and Friary Way and delivering improvements to the operation of the bus station in the heart of Crawley town centre.

The regeneration will transform the public spaces and deliver major improvements to the operation of the bus station, cycling and walking at this important gateway to Crawley town centre.

The proposed works on Station Way includes from east to west:

• introduction of a 20mph zone
• eastbound cycle lane (Station Road to Friary Way)
• continuous shared surface along northern side for eastbound cyclists (Friary Way to Southgate Avenue)
• westbound cycle lane along whole of scheme length
• eastbound bus lane (on previous nearside traffic lane)
• extended bus stand to accommodate two bus stands as well as the ferry bus
• westbound bus lane (on previous offside traffic lane)
• modifications to Station Access/Station Way signal junction, station exit only

The proposed works on Friary Way includes:

• creation of a central bus pick up and drop off location including seating and shelters
• creation of eleven bus stops
• bus turning facilities at north and south end of centre island
• dedicated left lane turn onto Station Way for buses

The proposed works on The Martlets includes:

• pedestrianised paving
• provision of new seating and lighting

The proposed works on Haslett Avenue West includes:

• five bus stands (three west of the existing roundabout and two east of the roundabout)
• relocation of taxi rank, for eight vehicles
• amendments to roundabout geometry

The proposals include the provision of new hard and soft landscaping improvements throughout, including planting of new trees, planted areas, street furniture and seating. The scheme includes a new soft landscape layer, providing a linear planted public realm within the bus interchange, framing views and defining pedestrian corridors.

The public realm improvements propose high quality materials and seek to utilise the same palette of paving materials currently being installed within the town centre. Overall, the approach is to improve the experience of residents, visitors and public transport users, incorporating trees and plants to soften the appearance of the entire space.

• providing physical improvements to the public spaces on Friary Way, the Martlets and Haslett Avenue West, creating a better-connected transport hub for pedestrians and cyclists between the railway station, bus station and the wider town centre
• delivering an enhanced bus station with improved bus and traffic flows around Friary Way and maximise operational capacity within the bus station to boost the provision of bus services across the town
• providing high quality, distinctive and enjoyable public spaces for residents, visitors, and town centre workers, boosting footfall and vitality in the town centre and encouraging a stronger sense of place
• adding quality soft landscaping to the area with a variety of planting and greenery to enhance the quality of the environment
• providing continuous and safe cycle infrastructure to the edge of the pedestrian shopping area as an extension of the wider cycle network
• ensuring the area is accessible to all users including children, older people, people with disabilities, workers, residents, and visitors who will be using the area at various times
• transforming the living and working environment to help unlock private sector investment and development including new high-quality residential accommodation, and new commercial space

It is likely that road closures in both Station Way and Friary Way will be required for short periods during the 24 month construction programme to allow resurfacing works and so on. However, the period and frequency will be minimised to avoid additional disruption.

The work will start in January 2026. However, the construction will take place over a programme of phases to minimise disruption.

Anticipated programme:

• Phase 1 – Station Way (January 2026 to May 2026)
• Phase 2 – The Martlets (June 2026 to November 2026)
• Phase 3 – Haslett Avenue West (November 2026 to December 2026)
• Phase 4 – Friary Way (January 2027 to September 2027)
• Phase 5 – soft landscaping and completions (September 2027 to January 2028)

The work is due to be finished in January 2028. Please refer to question 5 question for the anticipated programme.
 

• approximately 6,000m2 of new footway surfacing
• approximately 6,000m2 of new carriageway surfacing
• reconfiguration of eleven bus stops and five bus stands
• 41 new trees
• 575m2 soft landscaping
• reconfiguration of the signalised junction on Station Way
• 23 new street lighting (both standard WSCC PFI and architectural)
• new street furniture
• reconfiguration of highway drainage
• prepare for the provision of bus shelters with advertising panels located on the island (including Real Time Passenger Information – RTPI), all subject to a separate contract

There are some elements that will be required to be undertaken at night but the vast majority will not.

This £7.4m regeneration scheme will transform the public spaces and deliver major improvements to the operation of the bus station at this important gateway to Crawley town centre.

It is funded by government and local authority capital funding allocated from the Crawley Growth programme and Towns Fund.

Motorists on Station Way: during phase 1 (January 2026 to June 2026) when works will be primarily focused on Station Way, construction activities within the highway will have some impact of traffic. However, these works will be phased to minimise disruption (and night works employed if deemed necessary).

Bus passengers on Friary Way: during the later phases of the scheme, (anticipated to commence in January 2027), approximately half of the existing bus stop provisions will be moved temporarily on to Station Way. We are working with Metrobus to ensure disruption to services are minimised.

Yes. During the works in Friary Way (refer to phase four in question 5) temporary bus stop facilities along with four temporary shelters will be installed on the northern side of Station Way, two either side of the Friary Way Junction.
 

It is anticipated that diversion routes will be required for short periods during the 24 month programme. This page will be updated once determined and dates are known.
 

The scheme will be phased over 24 months to minimise disruption and avoid working in front of businesses during December.