Shoreham’s growth as a centre of living, working and learning has taken a major step forward today, with Adur District Council’s announcement that KSD SteelRock Estates Ltd (“KSD SteelRock”) have been chosen as the preferred developer for the Civic Centre Site.

With social and economic regeneration at the forefront of the Council’s mind, the Executive Members and Council Officers are in no doubt that the KSD SteelRock proposal brings sharp focus onto the long-term impact of this key landmark site.  While the full details of the plans are still to be opened to public consultation, key highlights are:

*The foundation of a digital academy on the former staff car park site to accelerate the growth of digital skills in the local economy
*The relocation of Focus, a major local employer, from Southwick, protecting 150 local jobs and providing expansion space for the firm to double in size
*The provision of a range of spaces suitable for the needs of the town’s businesses to expand into, or micro businesses to operate from
*A number of high quality residential units ranging in size from 1 - 3 bedrooms, 30% of which will be affordable properties
*Hotel accommodation suited to the needs of business and leisure visitors
*High quality landscaping and design, maximising the attractiveness not only of the development itself, but of the views through the development to the river frontage.

Leader of Adur District Council, Neil Parkin, comments:

“I’m delighted to see the creation of new jobs, new skills and new residences for the people of Shoreham.  The Civic Centre site has been a target for our town’s regeneration efforts, and I am so pleased to be announcing KSD SteelRock as our preferred developer. 

“I fully believe that their ambitions match the District Council’s when it comes to creating long term value for the town and its community.”

James Appleton, Head of Economic Growth at Adur and Worthing Councils, said:

“The marketing for this site has been thorough and robust, resulting in a range of high quality submissions.

“Working with KSD SteelRock will allow us to drive forward our ambitious ‘Catching The Wave’ agenda, which focused the Councils’ sights firmly on growing our economies and our places to provide vibrant spaces to live, work and enjoy.”

Rupert English, Chief Executive at KSD SteelRock, adds:

“We are delighted to have been selected as preferred developer for this landmark site.  We are looking forward to working in close co-operation with both Adur District Council and the wider local community to deliver a development that combines an iconic design conceived by renowned local architect, Conran & Partners, with facilities which address local needs.”

Ralph Gilbert, Managing Director at Focus, is enthusiastic about the opportunities that expanding the business into Shoreham will bring.  He says:

“We are really excited about being part of the re-development of the Adur Civic Centre site. We can now concentrate on growing our business within the local area without the space restrictions we have in our current premises and ensuring our business can expand in an area convenient to our existing team.  We very much look forward to being a big part of Shoreham’s community in these exciting times.”

Public and stakeholder consultations will be held in the coming months to discuss the design and development of the Adur Civic Centre site (which incorporates both the Civic Centre and the staff car park opposite), and it is anticipated that a full planning application will be forthcoming in the Autumn of this year.

Further details will be announced in due course.