Developer Sought As Council Tries To Replace "Eyesore" Sea-Front Concrete Car-Park

The next step toward redeveloping the site of a concrete multi-storey car-park on Worthing's sea front has come closer.

That's according to Worthing Borough Council, which said it's entered a new stage in its efforts to redevelop the site, to create new homes and innovative retail and commercial space.

The Grafton multi-storey car park is coming to the end of its natural life and has been earmarked by Worthing Borough Council for demolition.

The new homes set to replace it are part of a long term policy which the council believes will help revive the town centre economy.

New modern commercial space to help revive the section that fronts Montague Street is in the local authority's plans.

Yet the council said the complexity associated with the redevelopment of the site, including title rights, access and current sitting tenants, has slowed progress.

But now, councillors are set to back a proposal to bring in a major developer to work in conjunction with the council to deliver the plan.

Members of the Council's Joint Strategic Committee (JSC) will next week be asked to support the appointment of a development partner to work alongside the Council.

A similar arrangement saw leading major project developer LCR join with the authority to develop a homes, retail and cinema plan for Union Place which the local authority claims is now making good progress.

Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, Cllr Kevin Jenkins, said:

"Of all the sites we want to develop Grafton is probably the most complex. That much can be appreciated by just looking at the site as it is.

"But that does not mean will sit still nor abandon our vision for a new vibrant space at the heart of our town centre.

"We will be getting rid of a seafront eyesore car park, bringing more new residents into the town to bring new life to that area and be creative in offering the sort of new commercial units entrepreneurs and businesses might want as our town centres across the country evolve.

"We have to be a bit patient with Grafton, be careful of the economic winds that might blow, but we will continue to do all we can to make this happen. Bringing in a major developer will be the first step to realising our vision."

Officers said they have been in regular dialogue with businesses and residents who will be affected by the development and this will continue in the new arrangement.

The JSC report details that consultants brought in to advise council officers on ways forward recommend a procurement exercise to attract development partners.

But the consultants, CBRE, conclude that Grafton, 'continues to represent an attractive comprehensive redevelopment opportunity that will find favour with the private sector development market'.