Historic Worthing park given 'community asset' status
It's been recognised after receiving a Green Flag award last year
A popular Worthing park has added to its success in winning a Green Flag award by being named an Asset of Community Value.
Beach House Park has been added to the register by Worthing Borough Council to honour its importance as an historic public space.
The gardens were given the prestigious international quality mark last year following a number of improvement projects, which included new planting, footpath clearing and the introduction of new signage
A building or land is considered an 'Asset of Community Value' if it furthers the social wellbeing or interests of the local community, or could do so in the future.
If either a building or land is registered as such it means that before an asset can be sold community organisations are given the time to prepare a bid and raise any funds necessary, should it ever be up for sale.
Councillor Edward Crouch, Worthing's Executive Member for Digital and Environmental Services, said:
“By registering Beach House Park as an Asset of Community Value, the Council is recognising the importance of this historic park that is enjoyed by thousands of visitors.
“Users of the public space should see this move as a clear steer towards our commitment to maintaining and improving open public spaces, which remains a really important part of the Council's work.
“This is further demonstrated by the enhancements our dedicated parks team have carried out at Beach House Park, to ensure it remains a much-loved open space for years to come. We are always looking to improve biodiversity at the site so it can adapt to the continuous effects of climate change.”
The park itself has been registered as such an asset, but the car parking areas, cafe and Bowls Club Pavilion have not, as they are either not ancillary to the park or the Council has already granted leases to third parties.
Beach House Park was purchased from the Beach House Estate in 1922 and opened to the public in spring 1924.