A grand vision to create a ‘continental-style’ boulevard while improving access for all to Worthing town centre has been unveiled by West Sussex County Council. The proposals, which also include pedestrianising some areas, focus on key routes and connections from the railway station to the seafront, such as the station approach, Portland Road and South Street. The plans form part of a ‘Growth Deal’ agreed by West Sussex County Council and Worthing Borough Council earlier this year.
The deal sets out a joint pledge to work in partnership on a number of key projects to deliver regeneration and growth in the area during the next five years. The improvements will help to connect and enhance six key redevelopment sites in the town (Teville Gate Site, Union Place Site, Grafton Site, Stagecoach Site, Aquarena Site, and the Civic Site) through a series of ‘public realm’ improvements. It will also see both councils work with developers and residents to ensure that planned investments to help deliver new residential, commercial, leisure and retail spaces will result in a better town centre for all.
Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted to be working so closely with West Sussex County Council on this project which will see major investment and the delivery of real improvements to our town centre. This has the potential to affect everybody who lives, works and visits our borough and builds on wider vision to regenerate the area. I urge everyone to take the opportunity to view the options to find out more.”
Details of the plans can be found on the County’s website at www.westsussex.gov.uk by searching for ‘growth deals’. The plans will be on display at Worthing Library between Tuesday 2 January and Friday 12 January.
There will also be a public drop-in session on Friday 5 January 2018 from 1pm – 6pm at the library where members of the public will have a chance to ask questions and provide comments on the initial concepts. Both councils will work together on preferred options with a view to undertaking a detailed public consultation in the spring.
