New council housing set for Adur 

The supply of affordable housing is not only high on the Council’s objectives, but a major national issue. This week, Adur District Council gave to go ahead to deliver a new housing project in Southwick.

An innovative approach will see new council housing built in Adur for the first time in over 25 years, providing much needed social and affordable housing.

On Council owned land in Albion Street, there currently sits two empty hostels and 7 units of temporary accommodation. In a report discussed by the Council’s Joint Strategic Committee, it was estimated that renovating these properties and maintaining standards would cost almost £1.2million.

Therefore, Councillors have backed a new plan to redevelop the site and construct 36 private units, plus 15 units of affordable housing offered at a mix of affordable and social rent. The project would see the Council enter an agreement with a local developer, eliminating the risk of needing to use taxpayers money.

Current statistics show that over 80% of households on the Housing Register in Adur are waiting for a 1 or 2 bedroom property. By delivering new units of these types, the Council also hope it will allow existing tenants to downsize and therefore free up family sized housing for those that require such accommodation.

Executive Member for Customer Services, Cllr Carson Albury, commented:

“This project indicates the proactive stance we’re taking as a Council, to provide suitable high quality housing for those in need. Both stock and land supply are key issues in our district, so it’s vital we maximise nearby opportunities like Albion Street, where current properties are lying unused or unfit for purpose.”

The financial implications in the long term are also hugely in favour of building new properties on the land. Whereas a costly refurbishment would lead to an estimated annual income of £44,240, the proposed redevelopment would exceed this by by over £30,000 per anum, at £75,790.

With approval from Executive Members, Adur District Council will now work to enter a development agreement to deliver the new affordable homes.

For the latest news and updates, follow Adur & Worthing Councils on Facebook, Twitter or at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk.

Tomorrow's Engineers is a programme of co-ordinated schools outreach and careers inspiration, led by the engineering community.

Tomorrow’s Engineers seeks to create the next generation of engineers by helping young people from all backgrounds understand the variety, excitement and opportunity presented by a career in engineering. The aim is for everyone between 11 and 14 to have at least one engineering experience with an employer and for equal number of girls and boys to aspire to become engineers.

Find out more: http://www.engineeringuk.com/Tomorrows-Engineers/

Progress at pace across the Greater Brighton Region

Skills and knowledge development were at the forefront of the latest meeting of the Greater Brighton Economic Board, held Tuesday 18 October in Newhaven.  Chairman of the Board, and Leader of Worthing Borough Council, Daniel Humphreys, takes up the story.

“The Greater Brighton Economic Board is now in its third year of operation and was formed in order to harness the creativity, innovation and determination that flows through the City Region towards a sustainable, resilient, economy.

“The progress made to date on many of the infrastructure projects is clear and we are now awaiting the Autumn Statement to learn the fate of the Growth Deal Bids we have made this year.  Assuming that these are successful, we can expect to see the best part of £1billion invested into the City Region in the medium term with nearly 10,000 jobs created and almost 6,000 homes built for those who are driving our Region’s economy forward, alongside a significant amount of commercial floorspace as well.

“Underpinning this growth will be a highly educated, skilled workforce with access to lifelong learning opportunities.  The Economic Board is driving forward an ambition to create an Apprenticeship Brokerage Service - an innovation which will make it easier for businesses of all sizes to access the training, and workforce, they will need for sustained growth.

“We know that the apprenticeship landscape is changing and the development of the Brokerage Service is a creative way to improve engagement between schools and businesses, as well as promoting an improved understanding with parents about the potential of apprenticeships for their children.

“We also know that the current system is not easily navigated for small and medium sized businesses who would benefit the most from it, but who don’t have the time required to become experts in the different options.  The Greater Brighton Apprenticeship Brokerage Service would  act as a conduit between employers and training providers and help them access the pipeline of talent needed for economic growth.

“I have been delighted to hear today that we are determined to launch the Brokerage Service and that a consultation is underway via the Employer Action Group - which has representatives across the City Region - with key levy payers in the region to explore how this offer will meet employers’ needs as we approach the advent of the Apprenticeship levy in April 2017. This of course follows on from the launch of the Digital Apprenticeship Service in January, which will see national attention focused on the potential of apprentices.

“In a major coup for the City Region, we’ve also learnt today that Brighton and Sussex Universities will be co-hosting the British Science Festival 2017 - the first time that it’s been held here since 1983.  Between 5th and 9th September 2017, thousands of people will have the opportunity to discover cutting edge developments and debate key issues facing our society.  With access to some of the world’s top scientists, engineers, technologists and social scientists, this will be an unparalleled opportunity to inspire a generation of learners of all ages.

“Finally, we have also heard some exceptionally good news regarding the City Region’s application to the One Public Estate fund.  While a formal announcement is yet to be made, I can say that the City Region will soon benefit from substantial Government investment allowing us to take a new approach to the use of public land for housing, employment stimulus and as an opportunity to transform public services.

“This is a region which is growing; a region which means business and a region which will be a major driver of the South East economy.  I am, and continue to be, proud to serve as the Chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board during this exceptionally exciting time.”

Adur and Worthing stands to remember the tragic loss of life following two world wars and other conflicts on Sunday 13th November

Friday 11th November

11am - Worthing War Memorial, Chapel Road two minute silence

Sunday 13th November

11am - Worthing War Memorial, Chapel Road

11am - Shoreham War Memorial, East Street

In Worthing, the Remembrance Service and March Past will take place at the town’s War Memorial in Chapel Road. The two minute silence will start at 11am on the first stroke of the Town Hall clock after which the Mayor’s Chaplain, Major Sarah Evans will take the Service.

Worthing Mayor, Councillor Sean McDonald, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Mrs Susan Pyper, will lay poppy wreaths for the fallen from Worthing and West Sussex and take the salute at the March Past in front of the Town Hall at approximately 11.30am after the service.

The Worthing's Salvation Army Citadel Band led by Bandmaster Alan Slator will play during the service and lead the March Past.

The Civics attending the service include Honorary Aldermen, Borough Councillors, County Councillors, Worthing Youth Mayor David Price, Adur & Worthing Councils Chief Executive, Alex Bailey,  Sussex Police Chief Inspector Howard Hodges and Keith Parvin of  the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

The Parade, led by Parade Marshal, Tony Avery, Worthing Combined Ex-Services Association/Royal Naval Association includes the Worthing Combined Ex-Services Contingent with their Standard Bearers and Escorts and Contingents from the Royal British Legion, the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service,  St John Ambulance, British Red Cross Society and local Scouting and Guide Associations.

Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Sean McDonald says:

"I am extremely proud and humbled to represent my town and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the many local organisations from Worthing and further afield who continue to support our annual Remembrance Service and Parade.

“I shall be attending the 2 minute silence at 11am on Armistice Day on Friday 11^th. Also joining me this year for the 2 minute silence will be children from Downsbrook Primary School who have contributed to an exhibition of poems, being displayed in the foyer of Worthing Town Hall.  The exhibition is free to the public from 9.30 - 4.30pm, Friday 11th to Friday 18th November.   I warmly invite everyone to join me at these Remembrance services to show their respect."

The two minute silence for Armistice Day will be signalled by a rocket fired from the Worthing beach office and another to signal at the end of the silence.

In Adur, Councillor Ann Bridges, the Chairman of Adur District Council, will lay a wreath at 11am at the Shoreham War Memorial in East Street as part of the Royal British Legion (RBL) service starting at 10am, and again at 2.45pm before the 3pm RBL service in Lancing.

Councillor James Butcher, Vice Chairman of Adur District Council, will lay a wreath on behalf of the District at the Southwick RBL service on Southwick Green at 11am.

Councillor Ann Bridges, Chair of Adur District Council says:

"I am extremely proud and honoured to represent the villages, towns and residents of Adur at this year’s remembrance service. Not only are we remembering the sacrifices of those that gave their lives in the great wars, but also to those and their families, who have served and continue to serve in conflicts and operations that continue today in Afghanistan and around the world."

Are you in need of some new, modern office chairs? Mocha Furniture can help!

Mocha Furniture are offering 4 Vector Work Mesh chairs (RRP of over £300.00) to Chamber members for just £110.00 each, including a full 5 year warranty. These chairs fully ergonomic (sliding seat, adjustable arms, adjustable lumber support, etc) and have a mesh back and dark grey charcoal upholstered seat.

If any chamber member wants one, please contact Mark Owen on 07415 133 490 or by email mark@mocha-furniture.co.uk. Mocha will happily (locally) deliver these to you.

Seagulls Increase Focus On Economic Goals

The economic power of positive private-public sector partnerships was underlined by Brighton & Hove Albion Executive Director Martin Perry when he addressed a packed meeting of The Sussex Property Alliance.

Mr Perry praised the support of Adur District Co uncil in bringing the vision of the club’s training ground to life in Lancing between Shoreham and Worthing – and the original foresight of Brighton & Hove Council in helping the Seagulls create the AMEX Stadium, which has become one of the city’s economic powerhouses. 

“Moving to the AMEX was a 10 year process and was a great example of how private-public sector partnerships can succeed,” said Mr Perry. “Since our move, we have created 1,000 full time equivalent jobs, contributed £38m to the local economy and entertained 3 million spectators in the first five years. In addition, it’s estimated that last year’s Rugby World Cup games at the Amex alone generated £46m for the city.

“Likewise, Adur Council immediately recognised the economic and social benefits of the training centre at Lancing and made it a strategic priority. Today it is home to all our teams – from academy and women’s teams through to the first team – and is a community resource used by 83 local clubs and 33 schools. It has created 100 full time equivalent jobs and added £3m to the local economy.”

Mr Perry then spoke of the collaborative approach of the Adur Council, which it is hoped will result in a mixed commercial and residential development on land adjacent to the training centre which will provide both jobs and housing.

“Together, we are working on a scheme that will create employment, 600 homes, a country park and infrastructure improvements. This type of positive partnership activity creates value for the council, the community and helps to drive the football club forward as we target a place in the Premier League.”

The Sussex Property Alliance, which is supported by Carpenter Box chartered accountants, Michael Jones commercial agency, and Bennett Griffin solicitors, also heard from Scott Marshall, of Marshall Regen, who works closely with the football club on its development activities.

Picture shows (l-r) Chris Coopey (Carpenter Box), Rob Fawcett (Bennet Griffin), Martin Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion FC), Scott Marshall (Marshall Regen), Steve Berrett (Michael Jones).

Adur District Council announces findings of its first major review of its off street parking provision in five years

Adur District Council has carried out its first review of off street parking for five years.  The recommendations which are expected to be implemented in January 2017 are designed to retain competitively priced parking provision in the area for businesses, residents and visitors both in terms of short and long term parking.  

Some long term tariffs have been reduced,  short stay tariffs of 30 minutes have been retained and season tickets have been made more convenient by enabling them to be purchased monthly and quarterly as well as annually.  Overall the charges remain lower than those of neighbouring areas.

Adur District Council manages a total of 13 off street pay and display car parks as well as a number of free surface car parks.  The car parks provide both short and long term parking which is of high importance for visitors, businesses and residents.  

The Council followed guidance from The Department for Transport, that states that parking tariffs should be reviewed regularly; more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and public transport should be encouraged and that short term parking should be encouraged off street rather than on street to curb congestion.  The changes have been designed to encourage increased use of car parks and avoid on street congestion.

* Major changes of note include:

·         The half hour tariff has been retained for people only needing to park for a short period of time.  

·         Season ticket costs have been maintained at £350 /year (less than £1 per day) and will also be offered on a monthly and a quarterly basis to make them more attractive to people who do not want or need to commit to a full year.

·         At key sites (Tarmount Lane, Pond Road and Ropetackle) the all day tariff will be reduced  from £8 to £5 or £4 at Ropetackle.

·         Tariffs have not been changed in five years and increases to some remain at a modest level to encourage use of the car parks.

·         The number of tariffs will be simplified, eg Pond Road and Tarmount Lane will move from nine tariff bands to five.

·         Charges will apply between 9am and 6pm rather than 5pm to bring them in line with on street controls.  

·         A £1 charge will be introduced on Sundays and Bank Holidays to those remaining car parks where currently there is no charging in place on these days.  

·         “Pay-by-phone technology will be adopted alongside traditional pay and display machines to provide customers with greater flexibility when paying for parking.

* Full details of all charges can be found on the Adur & Worthing website  https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/parking/ on Thursday 27th October 2016.

In line with most authorities in the South East and many other parts of the country, charges for Blue Badge holders will be introduced.  The British Parking Association advised the review that Blue Badges are designed to help people park closer to where they need to get to and that charging Blue Badge  holders is considered to be reasonable. The charges themselves must be set at a reasonable level, adequate parking facilities must be provided and most importantly the car parks and payment mechanisms must be easily accessible.  The Council is working with the British Parking Association on reviewing disabled parking provision and implementing recommendations for improvements.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur District Council Executive Member for Environment adds “After five years it has been necessary to review our parking provision.  The implementation of the recommendations will mean that our charges remain amongst the lowest in the area.  This, together with various options for season tickets and making payments by phone as well as cash, will encourage more people to  choose Adur as their destination whether it be business or leisure.”

Indigo Restaurant | The Way Of The Hypnotist

The Way Of The Hypnotist - £21.00 

Thursday November 3rd @ 6:45 pm followed by Dinner

How does Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapist Alex Vrettos will give an overview on how hypnotherapy is used to help resolve unwanted thoughts, feelings or behavour and share with you many of his remarkable case studies – this we can assure you will not be a typical “circus act” but an intelligent look at this ancient form of the therapy and it’s proven success. You can read more about Alex Vrettos here

Click here to read more...

Prime Venue, Prime Location

Located on the main A27 and with free parking and step free access to all rooms, our venue is great for any corporate events.

Clean bright and modern with a choice of flexible rooms we can cater for small and large events.

We have our own onsite catering and we have an offsite AV partner.

FAQ's

Q: Are there disabled facilities?

A: Yes, we have step free access to all suites and we have disabled toilets.

Q: We need breakout rooms, can you do this?

A: If we have the rooms available for the numbers you require then yes. We have a range of rooms available.

Q: Can you cater for special dietary requirements?

A: Yes we can as long as we are advised of these in advance.

Q: We have our own production company for our AV, will this be a problem?

A: No it is not. We have small theatre companies here for seminars and AV companies here for award ceremonies and conferences.

Equipment

· Free Wi-Fi

· Free PA (selected suites)

· Flip charts, screens and projectors available to hire

Are you looking for a venue for a:

· Conference

· Seminar

· Training day

· Award ceremony

· Staff party

· Corporate party

· Team away day

Room layouts

· Cabaret style

· Theatre style

· Boardroom style

· Banqueting style

Refreshment Options:

· Buffet lunch

· Working lunch

· Hot fork buffet

· Cold fork buffet

· 2,3 or 4 course meal

· Delegate breakfast

· Bar on request

Don't forget we can also cater for functions, parties, wedding receptions, gala dinners and many more events. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Airport Expansion Decision - Coast to Capital

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership

“We are disappointed that the Government favours a new runway at Heathrow instead of at Gatwick.  We believe that a second runway at Gatwick represents the better option, and would be cheaper and easier to build.

Gatwick Airport and the businesses in the surrounding area are a major driver of growth in our regional economy.  The Gatwick economy makes up nearly half of our regional economy and is worth around £23bn.  We will continue to work very closely with Gatwick to ensure that the airport continues to benefit the region.”