Hole new future for Adur Civic Centre

One of Shoreham's most recognised landmarks will soon be no more as Adur District Council's plans to regenerate the town centre take another step forward

For years the red-bricked Adur Civic Centre was the municipal heartbeat of the area.

But with council staff now relocated to the revamped Shoreham Centre, demolition teams have moved into the Ham Road site.

In just a few weeks, a hole can be seen in the side of the building as a large section has already been dismantled - with the cost being paid for by the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Adur District Council leader Neil Parkin said: "I'm delighted to see the progress being made to dismantle this landmark building.

"This is a triple win situation for us. We are not paying for the demolition, which takes the risk out of it; and once it's gone we will save more than £100,000 a year in business rates.

"But it also means we are able to move forward in redeveloping the wider site as part of our exciting plans to regenerate this part of the town centre.

"It is yet another example of how we can offer a platform for developers to create a high-quality scheme which will benefit the taxpayer and the wider area."

Council staff vacated the civic centre in 2013. Since then, Adur District Council has considered a number of options for the site.

A preferred developer was identified in 2015 to create a high-quality mixed use proposal but this deal didn't proceed for a variety of reasons.

To make the site more attractive to investors and developers, the council decided to push ahead with the demolition of the building.

This is scheduled to finish in autumn 2017.

During the demolition phase, the council's internal experts will be working out the next steps in how to maximise the potential of the key site. Any development is likely to include up to 150 homes and commercial space.

Across the road from the Civic Centre, the council is already pushing forward with plans to create a £10 million office development on the Ham Road car park.

A planning application is expected later in the year. The current pay and display facility will remain until work starts on site.