Exhibition today for new Aquarena plans

Roffey Homes will hold a public exhibition at the Chatsworth Hotel, in Steyne Gardens, from 2.30pm.

It follows the firm’s appointment of renowned architects Allies and Morrison, after controversial plans for a 21-storey tower block were rejected last year.

Roffey managing director Ben Cheal said: “As a Worthing-based firm, like local residents and the council we want to see the eyesore Aquarena regenerated into a positive statement of the town’s fortunes.

“So we’ve challenged respected new architects to bring a fresh approach to the site, and to incorporate the roots of the town and the history of Sussex. We want to produce a design that is ‘of Worthing’ and that people can be proud of.

“Our initial event is to show people early alternative concepts. We’ll then take people’s feedback into account to develop these plans, and hold another consultation to present our final design before we submit a planning application.”

Roffey’s previous plans were rejected by Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee in September.

They turned the application down on the grounds of over-development, design, harm to the surrounding conservation area and that it was ‘unsympathetic’.

The development would have delivered 147 new homes, including 39 affordable homes, public realm improvements and 69 public car parking spaces for the adjacent Splashpoint pool.

A campaign group against the plans had previously held numerous demonstrations at the town hall and Aquarena site.

Roffey lodged an appeal following the rejection but has pledged to withdraw it should the new plans be approved.

The consultation event will be held between 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Roffey and Allies and Morrison representatives will be present.