After two years of hard graft, supported by investment from Worthing Borough Council and the Department for Communities & Local Government, Colonnade House is about to be transformed from building site into a thriving small business hub in the heart of the town.

 

The penultimate part of the Colonnade House transformation jigsaw will slot into place when the specifically manufactured windows - designed to fit into the heritage architecture - are installed by early April. Once the windows are in place, the building will be completely weather tight and the final part of the internal fit out can start before it takes on a new life as an incubator for small and medium sized arts enterprises, launching early Summer.

 

Councillor Bryan Turner, Executive Member for Regeneration at Worthing Borough Council, says:

 

“This is a great moment for the town, its economy and the entrepreneurs who are looking at Worthing as a prime place to found their businesses.  

 

“Colonnade House will offer a unique incubation space focused on the needs of the arts and culture sector - something that the town has lacked until now. We’re building on the successful precedent set by our decision to open up the beach front chalets as artists’ studios/gallery spaces, where demand outstrips available supply.  

 

“Worthing’s cultural sector is a significant contributor to the town’s economy and we clearly have the potential - and now the space - to punch above our weight in the coastal arts and business scenes.”

 

His sentiments are echoed by Cllr Daniel Humphreys, Leader of the Council, who adds:

 

“This is another example of our Council looking at what the town needs, and then actively pursuing all opportunities to turn a great idea into reality.

 

“In regenerating Colonnade House, we’re not just opening up new space for cultural entrepreneurs, we’re also restoring part of our architectural heritage for future generations - and I’m proud to see the works nearing completion.  It will be a great day when the scaffolding finally comes down and Colonnade House is revealed in all of its newly restored glory.”

 

Once completed, Colonnade House will support twenty or more jobs in the heart of the town, complementing the offer presented by the Sphere at Northbrook College. Individually, the two business incubators open up a wealth of opportunities to diverse business sectors but together, they reflect the growing confidence of the local economy and its entrepreneurial spirit.

 

An advert for a Manager to oversee the Creative Hub will be published before Easter and terms of reference for the Hub’s Management Board are being drawn up in partnership with the Adur & Worthing Trust, without whose support the project would not have come into being.  

 

To be among the first to find out about the business incubator opportunities on offer, contact Joanna Malandain - joanna.malandain@adur-worthing.gov.uk or 01903 221305.