'Eyesore' Worthing car park could make way for new homes
It's part of wide-ranging plans to redevelop the town
Last updated 26th Nov 2020
One of Worthing's biggest car parks - dubbed an 'eyesore' by a local councillor - has been earmarked for demolition to make way for new flats.
Worthing Borough Council has confirmed it is set to back a proposal for a developer to be brought in to transform the Grafton site on the seafront.
The multi-storey is coming to the end of the end of its natural life and is set to be replaced as part of a long-term plan to regenerate the town and revive the local economy.
Plans are also in place to bring new shops and commercial spaces to revive the section fronting nearby Montague Street.
Members of the council’s Joint Strategic Committee (JSC) are next week being asked to support the appointment of a development partner to work alongside the council.
It's a similar arrangement to the one for Union Place, another town centre site, agreed earlier this month.
The council has said plans to build homes, retail outlets and a cinema there are making 'good progress'.
Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Councillor 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."