WORK has been completed on a major upgrade of public transport facilities near Newhaven Town railway station.

The East Sussex County Council scheme has finished in time for the opening next month (SEP) of the new University Technical College – UTC@harbourside – on Railway Quay.

The project has seen the installation of improved bus stops and waiting areas, to improve links between rail and bus services and the college.

It has included the installation of new bus stops, a taxi rank and pick-up and drop-off areas. Real-time passenger information boards for bus services will be installed shortly.

Cllr Carl Maynard, East Sussex County Council lead member for transport and environment, said: “One of our aims as a council is to encourage more people to use public transport for their everyday journeys.

“This scheme will provide better facilities and a smoother connection, making it easier for people using the new college and other passengers to combine bus and train travel.

“The work has also improved the street scene and is a real asset to Newhaven, which will benefit both residents and visitors to the town.”

The project was funded by a combination of county council funds set aside for local transport improvements and contributions secured from local developments.

Work began in April, with the new layout developed in consultation with local organisations including bus and rail operators.

The new college is open to 14 to 18-year-olds across Sussex interested in science, technology, engineering, maths and computing.

Jonathan Clarke, principal of UTC@harbourside said: “I congratulate East Sussex County Council on completing the transport interchange in time for UTC@harbourside’s opening.

“It is right between the college and the station and makes it even easier for our students from Brighton & Hove, Hastings, Haywards Heath and beyond to travel here.”