An accessibility-focused streetscape project in Eastbourne has seen CU Phosco supply specialist lighting columns designed to improve safety and independent navigation for blind and partially sighted pedestrians.
The project, located along Victoria Place on Terminus Road, forms part of wider redevelopment works connecting Eastbourne railway station with the seafront. Funded by Eastbourne Borough Council using Levelling Up Funds, the scheme was delivered by East Sussex Highways, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Living Places and East Sussex County Council.
Working closely with East Sussex Vision Support, CU Phosco supplied 21 lighting columns, comprising a mixture of 5m and 8m designs incorporating Heritage brackets to complement the surrounding streetscape.
A key feature is the introduction of yellow banding at head, chest and waist height to improve column visibility for pedestrians with varying levels of sight impairment. Column positioning was also carefully considered to accommodate pedestrian movement and guide dog users.
James Powis, Key Accounts Manager at CU Phosco, says, “This project was very different from a conventional column installation because accessibility considerations were central to the design process from the outset.”
Consultation included site walk-throughs, discussions about pedestrian movement and demonstrations illustrating how different visual impairments affect visibility.
James adds, “The team carefully considered pathway widths, pedestrian pinch points and the movement of guide dog users to help create a route that felt safer and easier to navigate.”
The completed scheme aims to improve pedestrian safety and confidence while maintaining the visual character of Eastbourne’s town centre.
Steve Saunders, Campaigner Quality and Access Lead at East Sussex Vision Support, says, “You listened. It was important that this approach was carried through so that this seafront town is accessible to all. It makes a massive difference to visually impaired people and we hope to see similar schemes rolled out across East Sussex and beyond.”
