Redevelopment of empty site in heart of Worthing up for decision

Worthing Borough Council acquired land at Union Place back in 2018 and has been working with government-owned regeneration specialists LCR on a mixed-use scheme.

After submitting an outline planning application, the development has been amended and now proposes 169 new homes, some commercial floorspace, an extension to the Connaught Theatre and Cinema, a 90-bed hotel, car parking, public realm improvements and green spaces.

While the buildings fronting directly on to Union Place and the High Street have been reduced in height, the tallest residential block would be 14 storeys at its highest point.

The plans are set to be discussed by the council’s planning committee next Wednesday (November 4).

According to the application, after discussion with officers the layouts have been reviewed to better utilise the public realm for residents, while active frontages have been increased in the centre of the site, including better public realm that will ‘allow for the creation of a successful neighbourhood and cultural destination’.

In their report, planning officers said: “The proposal provides a number of significant public benefits including contributing to the overall regeneration of the town centre, providing much needed housing (including 30 per cent affordable housing), replacement public parking, public realm improvements and an enhanced cultural offer. These significant public benefits are considered, on balance, to outweigh the acknowledged harm to heritage assets.”

In recommending approval they suggest the significant economic and regeneration benefits of bringing forward this vacant town centre site with a ‘vibrant mix of uses’ and new housing justify supporting this outline scheme.