Decision details

The WBC Executive Member for Regeneration has approved the appointment of Pick Everard of Perfect Circle to provide professional, multi-disciplinary construction consultancy services to the value of £246,100.

The ADC Executive Member for Environment has agreed to abstain from this decision as a Worthing matter.

As part of Worthing’s wider economic regeneration programme and in relation to Council owned car parks, there is the need to make changes and improvements to our parking infrastructure, to secure longevity and maintain consumer confidence.

Our parking strategy has identified that the Grafton multi storey car park is nearing its end of life and will be demolished as part of proposed redevelopment plans for the whole site. This has an indicative timescale of between 2 to 4 years. The anticipated loss of the  Grafton facility requires us to ensure that if we provide alternative provision (civic centre) as well as an improved offer of quality parking in existing sites.

The Buckingham Road car park is immediately adjacent to our core shopping area and provides a key arrival point at the western side of Worthing town centre.

The retention and refurbishment of Buckingham Road multi storey car park will fulfil the Council’s aims and contribute to Worthing’s economic regeneration programme as set out in the Worthing Core Strategy, Worthing Investment Prospectus, Platforms for our Places and Capital Investment Programme for Worthing Borough Council and the Joint Strategic Committee.

This need for investment has been heightened by the 2020 Covid19 pandemic, which has significantly impacted on our economy and as we move towards recovery and a ‘new norm’ requires the Council to be proactive and lead by ensuring that our town centres are well supported and that residents and visitors to the town can be confident.

To do nothing - not acceptable

To simply decorate - not acceptable as simply defers the issue of a quality sense of arrival