Worthing town centre plan is dropped and developers think again

WORTHING'S Masterplan vision has been boosted with the withdrawal of an appeal against the borough council's rejection of a huge scheme for a key town centre site.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Sep 2007, 16:06 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:30 BST

Red Square Developments has decided not to proceed with the appeal over its plans for the former police station site in Union Place, as efforts continued to improve Worthing town centre.

The borough's development control committee had previously rejected the outline application for a mixed-use, eight-storey retail and residential package.

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This would have comprised 1,276 square metres of retail space on the ground floor, and up to 103 residential units, plus basement car parking.

The Masterplan envisages a much greater retail presence in this particular area, and news of the appeal's withdrawal was welcomed by James Appleton, the council's assistant director (planning services).

Mr Appleton said: "We are keen to get the Masterplan proposals off the ground and we are seeking a far more comprehensive redevelopment of the area."

He said the way was now open for further consultations with owners of land in the Union Place area, including the old police station site, to work towards a far greater amount of shopping space which would provide a "retail heart" in the area.

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Worthing people have had their say about future ideas for Chapel Road and Marine Parade at Worthing Library.

Landscape architects BDP held a "Meet the Designers" event, at which residents were asked to comment on plans for a widespread package of improvements for the two areas.

The scheme will have government funding of 420,000 over the period 2007-2009, with a further 230,000 coming from West Sussex County Council and the borough council.

Mehron Kirk, of BDP, said people's main comments were about cycling, pedestrians, cars and buses, and the event had given his company a good insight into what people were thinking.

Have your say

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What do you think about the proposed development of Union Place?

What needs to be done to improve Worthing town centre?

What did you think of BDP proposals for Marine Parade and Chapel Road?

Let us know, comment in the space below or email [email protected]

Related topics:West Sussex County Council