Approval for regeneration of Worthing town centre site

Ambitious plans to regenerate Worthing’s town centre have been given a major boost with the approval of proposals to create nearly 170 homes, commercial space, hotel and expanded cinema on a brownfield site.

As part of its ambitious town centre regeneration programme, Worthing Borough Council has been working with with LCR, the government’s placemaking and sustainable regeneration specialist, on bringing Union Place back into use.

The 1.1 hectare site, which includes the former police station, has sat largely unused for more than a decade after private companies failed to bring forward viable schemes.

After stepping into purchase the site last year, the Council last night received outline permission from the town’s Planning Committee to transform the area.

Also included in the proposal is replacement public car parking, high-quality public spaces and a new play area.

Leaders welcomed the decision, noting the development supports the overall town centre renewal programme and, when complete, would make a significant contribution to long-term economic sustainability of Worthing post-COVID.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, the Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that this proposal in principle has received the backing of the planning committee and want to thank the team from LCR and our own officers for bringing an ambitious and deliverable scheme forward. 

“Union Place is an important town centre site that has been left undeveloped for a number of years, which has had a negative impact both visually and economically on the vitality of our local economy.

“Bringing it back into use is a key part of our ambitious town centre renewal programme, which has become even more important due to COVID.

“The proposal creates a range of much-needed housing; supports tourism, through a new hotel; will create a more vibrant cultural scene, with the proposed addition of new cinema screens; and offers flexible commercial space and connectivity to the wider town centre which will support the local economy for years to come.”

Ray Willis, Regional Director for LCR in the South, said:“We’re pleased to be supporting the Council’s ambition in bringing this key site back into productive use. It has been made possible by leveraging the Council’s unrivalled knowledge of the needs of its community, coupled with our experience in developing complex sites. The project is set to deliver vital new homes, jobs and public value for Worthing.

“Regenerating underused and underdeveloped land in our town and city centres has always been key to maintaining thriving communities, but it’s now more important than ever as Britain looks to navigate an economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19. This is a key example of the kind of project that local authorities should champion in order to generate strong growth across our regional hubs.”

Frustrated with the lack of progress on regenerating the prime town centre site, the Council acquired the site last year before entering into a landpool agreement with LCR.

An outline planning application to create 169 new homes, 670 sqm of flexible commercial space and 90 bed hotel on the land between High Street and Chapel Road was approved by the Council’s Planning Committee at a virtual meeting last night (November 4, 2020).

Also included will be a cinema extension of up to four extra screens and flexible cultural space to support the neighbouring Connaught Theatre.

The development will be laid out in a series of even blocks of between four to six storeys with a 14 storey tower at its heart.

Plans include 245 car parking spaces, which will include public spaces to replace the current NCP car park. A fifth of the residential spaces will be EV charging points while 184 cycle spaces will be created.

Councillors also praised the new public realm enhancements, which will include a new play space.

The redevelopment of Union Place is one part of the Councils’ ambitious direction of travel Platforms for Our Places: Going Further.

This scheme also supports the Council’s ‘And Then...’ ambitions to create a vibrant mix of high-quality housing, cultural and commercial premises in the town centre post-COVID.

Update from Adur & Worthing Council:
2nd Round of Business Covid Support Grants

Whilst Saturdays second lockdown announcement wasn't a total surprise, once again, we leap into grants mode to do the best we can to support our local economy. 

We therefore thought we would send a courtesy email advising that there will be a second round of grant funding from central government, however we are currently waiting on the final eligibility criteria.

Adur & Worthing Council are once again preparing a digital portal in preparation for receiving claims.  

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/business-sign-up/  

Job Support Scheme

The Job Support Scheme (JSS) will open on 1‌‌‌ ‌November and run for six months, until 30‌‌‌ ‌April 2021. The government has said it will review the terms of the scheme in January 2021. There are two variations to JSS – JSS Open and JSS Closed.

The UK government announced yesterday it will significantly increase the generosity and reach of its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.

In recognition of the challenging times ahead, the Chancellor said he would be increasing support through the existing Job Support and self-employed schemes.

JSS Open will provide support to businesses that are open where employees are working shorter hours due to reduced demand. Your employees will need to work at least 20% of their usual hours. You will continue to pay employees for the hours they work, and the UK government will pay a contribution of 61.67% of the usual pay for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £1,541.75 per month. You will pay 5% of the usual pay for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £125 per month, and can top this up further if you choose. This means employees should receive at least two thirds of their usual pay for hours not worked.

The caps are reduced according to the proportion of hours not worked. Further guidance on this will be available on GOV‌‌‌‌.UK shortly.

You will need to cover all employer National Insurance and pension contributions.

JSS Closed will provide support to businesses whose premises are legally required to close as a direct result of coronavirus restrictions set by one of the four governments of the UK. This includes premises restricted to delivery or collection-only services from their premises, and those restricted to providing food and/or drinks outdoors.

For JSS Closed, the UK government will fund two thirds of employees' usual wages for time not worked, up to a maximum of £2,083.33 per month. You will not be required to contribute, but you can top up the government’s contribution if you choose to. You will still need to cover all employer National Insurance and pension contributions.

You’ll be able to make your first JSS claim in arrears from 8‌‌‌ ‌December, for pay periods ending and paid in November. We’ll let you know more about how to make a claim by the end of this month.

Your employees will be able to check if you have made a Job Support Scheme claim on their behalf through their online Personal Tax Account. Employees can set up a Personal Tax Account on GOV‌‌‌‌.UK, by searching 'Personal Tax Account: sign in or set up'.

Plans for more than 150 “key worker” homes approved

Innovative international housing developer BoKlok has received approval in principle to create 152 high-quality low-cost properties by Worthing Borough Council’s Planning Committee.

The company, which has its roots in Sweden and is jointly owned by Skanska and IKEA, has been working with the authority for more than a year to develop proposals for land west of Fulbeck Avenue.

The majority of the new homes will be priced so they are accessible to local working families. The remaining 30% will be allocated for rent and shared ownership.

Councillors backed the scheme at a virtual meeting of the planning committee last night (October 21, 2020), praising the innovative approach and its commitment to sustainability. 

Pending agreement on final drainage plans and site conditions, construction could begin next year with the first homes on the market soon after.

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I am delighted my colleagues have supported in principle this innovative scheme.

“We know the high-cost of home ownership is a major concern to local families. This modern high-quality development will provide hard-working key workers the opportunity to get a foot on the property ladder without having to move out of the town. It will also provide a range of affordable options for those who want or need to rent.

“While there is still work to be done on the outstanding drainage issues, this is an extremely positive step forward on a major development for the town.”

BoKlok UK Managing Director, Graeme Culliton said: “We are delighted by this outcome and we look forward to starting construction on one of our first sites in the UK.

“We know that the demand for housing is at an all-time high, therefore offering this solution will support the council’s housing targets and provide a thriving community development.

“We have paid close attention to committee members' views regarding ecology and drainage and we are confident that our continued work with council officers will bring this to a successful conclusion.”

Councillors approved the scheme, pending agreement on site conditions as well as designing a robust drainage scheme  to alleviate flooding concerns.

The proposal for 152 flats will provide 51 one bedroom and 101 two bedroom homes distributed across five blocks. 

Each property will have a balcony, as well as access to landscaped community space, which includes growing pods, shared tool shed, barbeque pit and playground.

Secure cycle stores and 160 car parking spaces will be provided. A third will have live electric charging points while the remainder will be ‘cable-ready’.

The completed homes will be manufactured off-site using sustainably-sourced timber. They are then transported to the construction site for assembly with high quality IKEA fittings throughout.

Environmentally-friendly measures will be included throughout to keep the carbon footprint low, including community air source heat pumps and water saving methods to limit use to 105 litres a person per day.

Cllr Paul High, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said: “Colleagues are pleased to be able to back this scheme, recognising the benefits it will bring to providing housing to local people. There is still some work to do on drainage but I am confident that we will be able to continue our positive working relationship with BoKlok to resolve these in the coming months.”

The creation of new housing is a key part of “And Then…”, the Councils' short, sharp programme of interventions and assistance to help the communities of Adur and Worthing bounce back from the impact of lockdown.

Adur Leisure Centres poised for lifeline deal to reopen

Leisure centres across Adur could be re-opened early next year if a proposal to allow a neighbouring provider to take over the facilities is given the go-ahead.

Officers and senior members from Adur District Council have been working hard to rescue the sports and leisure services previously run by Adur Community Leisure (ACL) after it declared itself insolvent during the lockdown in July. 

Lancing Manor Leisure Centre, Southwick Leisure Centre and Wadurs Swimming Pool were immediately mothballed. The buildings are owned by the district council but ACL operated the leisure services within.

Now a deal could be struck between the Council and South Downs Leisure (SDL) which operates leisure and community services in Worthing including the Splashpoint Leisure Centre.

A report to go before Adur & Worthing Councils Joint Strategic Committee next week recommends the Director for the Economy is given the go-ahead to negotiate with SDL and that a budget of £280,000 is awarded to the company for the preparation and running of the services to the end of March next year. 

This money will come from a government emergency grant awarded across the UK to help sports centres.

The report points out that SDL has an ‘established financial and operational track record’ and ‘a strong reputation for working with local communities to support health and well-being as well as exemplary work to support people in vulnerable groups’.

SDL would need to recruit staff and, in partnership with the district council,  ensure the buildings were fit for purpose and equipment modernised.

Adur District Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, Cllr Emma Evans, said, ‘It was sad that ACL could not survive lockdown and that staff lost their jobs. However from that moment we have been working very hard to secure the future of the facilities and SDL have a proven track record in running excellent sports, health and wellbeing leisures services across the border in Worthing.

‘We know how important to health and wellbeing activity provided at these centres is to residents especially in these terrible times and we hope we can bring real impetus now towards opening doors again next year.’

Chief Executive of SDL, Duncan Anderson, said, ‘It's great to be working in partnership with Adur District Council on this proposal, potentially creating new jobs and re-opening these leisure facilities to the community in the New Year with a new and improved membership package.’

The proposed deal between Adur District Council and SDL would be for five years and the council would provide funds of more than £700,000 for that period. It has already spent £300,000 on maintaining the buildings and equipment and preparing for the future since the demise of ACL.

The report points out that mothballing the facilities could still cost £480,000 a year. Any eventual profit SDL, a charitable trust, generates is divided between further investment and a dividend to the council.

The report recommends the Director for the Economy is given delegated authority to award the contract in consultation with the Leader of Adur District Council and the Executive member for the Environment.

Changes at Guild Care as the charity recovers from the impacts of Covid-19

Worthing charity Guild Care has announced the appointment of Alex Brooks-Johnson as its new interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Alex, who has been working with Guild Care for a year in several senior positions, brings over 20 years of voluntary and charity sector experience including Chief Executive roles at both a carers and children’s charity where he helped shape and grow community-based services.

Guild Care, which was established in 1933, has undergone significant changes over recent months due to the impact of Covid-19 and is now restructuring for the future.  Former CEO, Suzanne Millard will be concentrating on leading the care homes through the next phase of development, driven by the passion and expertise she has displayed for the past 11 years as CEO, with Alex overseeing the changes to the charity’s community-based services.

New interim CEO, Alex Brooks-Johnson, said of his appointment: “Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Guild Care and to all our staff and volunteers for their continued hard work and dedication during this very difficult time.  I’m very proud and excited to be leading this great local charity as we move towards a new chapter in our history.

“Covid-19 has highlighted how strong the community is in and around Worthing, and how much of a part of that community Guild Care is.  We have a responsibility to help older people, people living with dementia and children and adults with learning difficulties in whatever ways we can, and I’m looking forward to further building the links we have with the community to make that happen.”

Antonia Hopkins, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “I’m delighted to appoint Alex as our new interim CEO. He brings a wealth of charity experience and strategic leadership to Guild Care and the Board looks forward to working very closely with him in helping to secure the future of the charity.”

Local people set to raise over £10,000 as hospice’s flagship event goes virtual

The first ‘Sunrise to Remember: Virtual Edition’ took place on Saturday 12 September, replacing St Barnabas House’s biggest annual fundraising event ‘Night to Remember’, which was unable to go ahead this year due to COVID-19. The virtual event saw hundreds of local residents setting off from their own homes at sunrise on a seven-mile walk in memory of their loved ones. Sponsorship money is still coming in, but participants look set to raise over £10,000 for the charity.

Many of those who took part did so in memory of a family member or friend cared for by the hospice, including eight-year old, Beth Hamilton from Worthing who walked with her mother, Marie Hamilton, in memory of her Nanna, Kate Gladden who was cared for by St Barnabas House in 2015.

“I wanted to take part in Sunrise to Remember because my mummy has done it every year and I wanted to join in too,” says eight-year-old Beth. “I’m walking for my Nanna, because the nurses were really kind and lovely when she was poorly.”

Beth’s mother, Marie, adds, “Mum and Beth were so close so it’s lovely for her to be able to take part and so special for me to have her by my side doing the walk together. St Barnabas looked after Mum so well, so it is the least we can do to say thank you.”

Explaining the importance of the event and why the hospice were so determined to make it happen, Events Fundraiser, Sophie Henderson says, “The St Barnabas House Night to Remember midnight walk has taken place for the last 12 years and holds a special place in many local people’s hearts. As it is so important to our supporters – many of whom take part year after year in memory of loved ones, we were determined to make the event possible, in some way.

“Of course, it wasn’t the same as being able to set off all together as in previous years, but it was amazing to see so many people coming together virtually. The atmosphere was incredible, with walkers joining together live on the St Barnabas House Facebook page at 6am before setting out on their own seven-mile route.”

Participants listened to good luck messages from the care team and patients as well as taking part in a live warm up courtesy of Anytime Fitness. Lots of people also lit a virtual candle in memory of a loved one, and just before the walk began, everyone stepped outside to watch the sunrise together.

During the walk, More Radio Worthing looked after supporters with a special Sunrise to Remember takeover and after the challenge, a cook-along with MasterChef Champion, Kenny Tutt, filmed at his restaurant, Pitch, gave walkers the chance to reward themselves with a decadent brunch of Eggs Royale.

Anthony Ledword, 42 from Littlehampton, took on the challenge in honour of his late partner, Paul Reynolds, who sadly passed away at the hospice in January 2016.

“St Barnabas were there to support not only Paul, but all his family and friends. The staff there all made sure that Paul was always comfortable and treated with dignity and respect. At first, Paul and myself wanted him to spend his last days at home, but as things moved very quick it was better to have him in the hospice where he would receive 24/7 care,” says Anthony.

Anthony continues, “I think this virtual event has been a great idea as in view of these difficult times, we are still able to go on Facebook and see and support each other during the event, and raise money for charity.”

With COVID-19 leading to the postponement and cancellation of many events, virtual events like Sunrise to Remember are vital to ensure the hospice can continue caring for local people, now and in the future. To find out more about other upcoming events you can get involved in visit: www.stbh.org.uk/challenge-events/

A&F Pilbeam Construction appotined to construct residential nursing home

A & F Pilbeam Construction Ltd are very pleased to have been appointed to construct a new build 50-bed residential nursing home for South Coast Nursing Homes Ltd working with ECE Architecture, SWP Structural Engineers and PJR Services. The new facility will be located adjacent to South Coast’s Berkeley Lodge dementia care home in Shelley Road.

The development requires the demolition of existing buildings and infilling of old basements prior to construction of a new two and three storey building with associated external works and landscaping.

The structure will be a traditional design with load bearing masonry walls and concrete floors with some steel framing providing spacious circulation and relaxation areas as well as supporting  a feature staircase.

In addition to the new residential rooms, the new facility includes a kitchen, residents’ cafe, entertainment area, hair salon, two libraries, lounges and dining areas in addition to staff facilities including offices and nurse stations.

The design of the building will be very much in keeping with the streetscape of Shelley Road with the front elevations having rendered and moulded coins and other features. Flint and masonry boundary walls will complement the building and enclose the 17 car parking spaces with a ‘drive in - drive out’ system at the front of the site.

The rear elevations and internal designs are more contemporary in nature with the emphasis of this project being to produce a high-quality environment that improves the comfort and experience of residents’ at the home.

www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk

University of Chichester becomes a top 30 UK university

THE University of Chichester has been named in the UK’s top 30 higher education institutions.

National rankings produced by the Guardian University Guide 2021 placed it in 29th position – out of 121 others – based on its high student-satisfaction rates and graduate prospects. Its courses were also ranked among the country’s best, including its Art, Education, and Psychology degrees which were named in the UK’s top ten respectively.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Longmore said: “These rankings are recognition of the University’s remarkable success in building the confidence, resilience, and aspirations of every student. Our staff have continued to deliver high-quality teaching and an excellent student experience during an immensely challenging year for the UK higher education sector.”

The Guardian University Guide is one of the most widely respected tables for the UK universities, and ranks 121 institutions according to nine criteria. Chichester’s ratings cap a remarkable few months for the West Sussex institution which was named a top-third tier UK university by the National Student Survey for its high satisfaction rates among its undergraduates.

Find out how the University of Chichester provides an inclusive and enriching experience of higher education for its students at www.chi.ac.uk or go to www.theguardian.com/education.

Bennett Griffin Family Law Clinics 

Bennett Griffin understand that the breakdown of a relationship can be one of the most traumatic events in your life. During the Covid-19 lockdown, they continued to receive requests from people looking for advice on an impending breakdown, or those who were in the middle of divorce proceedings or any family-related legal process.

With that in mind, they began to host regular Family Law Clinics, held every Friday between 10am and midday. These sessions, bookable via our dedicated area on their website, offered the chance to speak to our Family Law team on an informal basis, to discuss potential issues or allay any concerns they may have. Given that we were all in lockdown, all sessions took place via Zoom, Whatsapp or the video/phone application that was most convenient. The feedback was superb and the demand just as good.

Jackie Mensah, who has led the clinics was delighted with the weekly sessions commented: “Often just having the opportunity to have a quick chat with an expert about the crucial issues can provide much needed clarity and reassurance. It is easy to fit the 15 minutes advice session into a busy day and its impact and benefits are long-term and invaluable.”

The past few months have been extremely challenging for us all and uncertainty will continue for some time, especially as our children return to school and many of us return to the office or from furlough. With that in mind, as well as the clear continued demand for advice and support, they have decided to continue to hold the weekly Family Advice Clinics.

These will continue to be every Friday morning from 10am-12pm (availability pending) and those looking to book their initial 15 minute slot can do so by heading to our dedicated Family Advice page.

To book an appointment, simply navigate to https://www.bennettgriffin.co.uk/familyclinic or call our team on 01903 229999.