Station Gateway

The purpose of the scheme is to improve public spaces and strengthen transport connectivity at this important gateway to Crawley town centre.

• deliver improvements to public spaces on Friary Way, the Martlets and Haslett Avenue West, creating a better-connected, modern transport hub for pedestrians and cyclists between the railway station, the bus station and the wider town centre
• deliver an enhanced bus station, with improved bus and traffic movements around Friary Way, and maximise operational capacity within the bus station to support bus services across the town
• provide high-quality, distinctive and welcoming public spaces for residents, visitors and town centre workers, supporting footfall, vitality and a stronger sense of place
• introduce high-quality soft landscaping, including a range of planting and greenery, to improve the local environment
• provide continuous and safe cycle infrastructure to the edge of the pedestrian shopping area, as an extension of the wider cycle network
• ensure the area is accessible for all users, including children, older people and people with disabilities
• transform the local environment to support private sector investment and development, including high-quality residential accommodation and new commercial space

The works will take place on Station Way, Friary Way, Haslett Avenue West and the Martlets (Northgate), Crawley.

Station Way (from east to west):

• introduction of a 20 miles per hour (mph) 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 railway station access and Station Way signal junction

Friary Way:

• 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 Martlets:

• pedestrianised paving
• new street furniture, seating and lighting
• planting of trees

Haslett Avenue West:

• five bus stands
• relocation of taxi rank, for eight vehicles
• amendments to roundabout geometry

Throughout:

• new soft landscaping, including trees and shrubs to frame views, define pedestrian routes and soften the space
• seating and street furniture using high-quality materials with hard landscaping, matching the paving palette already used in the town centre

• approximately 6,000 meters squared of new footway surfacing
• approximately 6,000 meters squared of new carriageway surfacing
• reconfiguration of 11 bus stops and five bus stands
• planting of 41 new trees
• approximately 575 meters squared of soft landscaping
• reconfiguration of the signalised junction on Station Way
• installation of 23 new street lighting columns
• installation of new street furniture
• reconfiguration of highway drainage
• preparation for the provision of bus shelters with advertising panels on the central island, including Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI)

The scheme has been allocated £7.4 million through Government and local authority capital funding, via the Crawley Growth Programme and the Towns Fund.

Crawley Borough Council is the lead authority for the project, delivered as part of the Crawley Growth Programme. The Council’s appointed contractor to complete the works is Landbuild Limited.

Works started in January 2026 and are due to be completed by January 2028.

The scheme will be delivered through a series of phases to minimise disruption:

• phase 1 – Station Way (January 2026 to late-May 2026)
• phase 2 – the Martlets (mid-May 2026 to November 2026)
• phase 3 – Haslett Avenue West (June 2026 to September 2026)
• phase 4 – Friary Way (January 2027 to July 2027)
• phase 5 – soft landscaping etc (August 2027 to January 2028)

Please note dates are subject to change.

The scheme is being delivered over a 24-month period to reduce the likelihood of significant disruption in any one location. Phasing enables pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles to continue moving through the area, supports continued access to businesses, and helps to keep taxi and bus services operating. The programme also avoids undertaking works directly outside businesses during December.

We have worked closely with the construction contractor, Landbuild Limited, to minimise disruption as far as reasonably practicable. This includes maintaining access to businesses during normal business hours throughout the works.

Signage has been installed around the site and at key access points to the town centre to inform the public about the works and to confirm that businesses remain open as usual.

Prior to the start of the works, we visited affected businesses to explain the programme and discuss any issues or concerns. Businesses can continue to raise enquiries with us and the contractor; contact details have been provided.

Businesses have the right to approach the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to request a temporary reduction in the rateable value of their property, where they consider (and can provide evidence) that the works are having a significant and adverse effect. Detail on the appeal process will be provided to businesses.

The appointed contractor, Landbuild Limited, is required to manage the works safely.  There is a construction phase (health and safety) plan, and dust and noise management plan in place. They will work closely with businesses on a day-to-day basis to minimise disruption and maintain public safety.

Short-term road closures on Station Way and Friary Way may be required at certain times during the 24-month programme to facilitate activities such as resurfacing. Where closures are necessary, the duration and frequency will be kept to a minimum, and diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

• Station Way: During Phase 1 (January 2026 to late-May 2026), works will be primarily focused on Station Way. Construction activities within the highway will have an impact on traffic at times. These works will be phased to minimise disruption and, where necessary, night working will be undertaken
• bus passengers (Friary Way): during the later phases of the scheme (currently anticipated to commence in January 2027), approximately half of the existing bus stops will be temporarily relocated to Station Way. We are working with Metrobus to minimise disruption to bus services

During the works on Friary Way (phase 4), temporary bus stop facilities and four temporary shelters will be installed on the northern side of Station Way, with two located on each side of the Friary Way junction.

Footways will remain open wherever possible. Where a closure is required, advance notice will be provided, and alternative routes will be signposted.

Some elements of the works will need to be undertaken during the evening or overnight; however, most activities will be carried out during daytime hours.

Paving slabs will be removed and crushed for reuse as sub-base material on construction projects. Some materials are also retained for local repairs.

New cycle stands are proposed at the entry points to the ‘no cycling’ pedestrianised areas.

Prior to completion, the paving will be inspected, cleaned and sealed. The sealant provides a protective barrier to reduce the risk of permanent staining and supports effective ongoing cleaning by our maintenance team once the site has been handed over.

If you wish to raise any matters with us, please contact economic.development@crawley.gov.uk or telephone 01293 438120.