New Southwick Post Office ‘the missing piece of the jigsaw’

Contrary to many town centres across the country, Southwick’s blend of independent traders and national chains has seen it flourish over the last few years.

The return of its Post Office, which is set to reclose briefly for refurbishments this month, is the latest boost for residents.

Councillor Angus Dunn, Adur’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, said: “As a local resident it’s been fantastic to see Southwick Square go from strength-to-strength in the past few years.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure there is a really good mix of businesses on the square, with a broad selection of shops and services available in order to serve our community.

“I’m really pleased to see the return of the Post Office, which is an integral part of any shopping area. It will compliment the strong group of traders we already have, and with the new longer opening hours, we are certain residents will make much use of it.”

Much of Southwick Square is owned by the council, which welcomed a new tenant to the Post Office on a revised lease earlier this month.

The Southwick Greengrocer also opened in November in another council-owned unit.

Operated by Nick Herriott, it joins a florist, butchers, opticians and coffee and sandwich shops, alongside a WH Smith and Co-Op.

Mr Herriott said: “Already, we have become an important part of the Southwick Square community. It’s a special place for many reasons, including the genuine appreciation people have for all of the business in the square and in the modern day, it’s rare to have such a thriving and successful shopping precinct.

“Our business has grown in popularity in the local area and also in the wider area, as we now deliver to Southwick, Mile Oak, Shoreham, Lancing, Sompting and Worthing, which is just fantastic.

“The Post Office re-opening is the missing piece of the jigsaw, and from speaking to other business owners and customers, I know it will be a huge asset to the square and one that has been sorely missed.”

The new Post Office will close on March 17 at 6pm for the second stage of its refurbishment.

The refurbished shop should reopen on Friday, March 26.

Once up and running, the opening times will be Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm; Saturday: 9am – 4pm.