Work to 'breathe new life' into Worthing to begin next month
The work will give pedestrians priority on Portland Street
£925,000 worth of work to transform Worthing's Portland Road begins next month.
Newly-finalised plans aim to make the street an area where pedestrians have priority.
Worthing Borough Council is managing the scheme, which is funded by West Sussex County Council and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.
Contractors are hoping to complete the work by the end of the year.
Free ultrafast public WiFi, better lighting, seating areas and cycle racks all form part of the plans which aim to get people into the town centre to support local businesses.
The scheme forms part of the Growth Deal, a joint-project with the county council setting out to improve eight public spaces in Worthing over the next five to ten years.
Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said:
“I’m so pleased the council is able to announce that work will commence for the Portland Road scheme. It will see the street transformed into a vibrant and inclusive space with a lovely, clean design that allows easy use for all.
“Despite the many struggles the Covid-19 pandemic has presented, it has not slowed down the council’s plans to breathe new life into this area of Worthing.
We have looked very carefully at all aspects of the new public realm to ensure the space is suitable for people to enjoy from day to night - from when the cafes open until the bars close in the early hours of the morning - once Government restrictions are lifted.”
Cllr Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, said:
“The start of construction work on this multi-million-pound project will herald an exciting time for Worthing town centre and represents a significant investment in its future.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the innovative designs becoming a reality, creating an improved and more attractive environment for residents, shoppers, businesses and visitors.”
Andy Sparsis, owner of the Proto Restaurant Group which includes The Fat Greek Taverna on Portland Road, said:
“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have hit Portland Road businesses really hard and now more than ever we need to improve the space.
"If you implement a great scheme which shows the councils are prepared to invest in the town, it gives so much confidence to other people and businesses, and it will make them want to invest in the area.
“We need to change the way people perceive Worthing, and one of the best ways to do that is to create beautiful, attractive spaces that families, workers, residents and young people can all use for many different reasons.
“By pedestrianising the road people can pop by and grab a takeaway, sit down with their friends, read a book, use the WiFi or enjoy a coffee outside. We need to develop that culture which is ultimately going to draw people to the area.”