Redeveloping Worthing car park site ‘not an easy baby to deliver’

The Grafton multi-storey car park is coming to the end of its natural life and has been earmarked for demolition, with new homes due to be built in its place.

New modern commercial space would also be provided in any redevelopment.

Progress has been slowed due to a number of challenges with the site such as title rights, access and sitting tenants.

The appointment of a development partner to work alongside Worthing Borough Council in bringing forward a scheme was agreed by the joint strategic committee on Tuesday (December 1).

Kevin Jenkins, executive member for regeneration, praised the work already carried out by officers.

He said: “This is not an easy baby to deliver because it has got so many complexities.”

But he described the potential rewards of a successful scheme as significant as it would improve connectivity between Montague Street and the seafront.

According to officers: “Due to its location, development of the site is a dual opportunity. Successful development will allow us to remove an existing unattractive property which is an unwelcome part of our seafront; provide modern commercial space to rejuvenate the western end of Montague Street; and will enable the delivery of new homes in a town centre location supporting the town centre economy over the long term.”

The procurement process is expected to start in the new year.