Residents are being invited to comment on proposals for the Marine Gate development in Worthing.

Located on the eastern side of Marine Place, it represents the final phase of the Debenhams redevelopment.

After a planning application was approved in September 2023, Debenhams is set to be turned into 80 one and two-bedroom flats. There will also be new shops and a gym as part of the development.

The project is set to be complete by winter 2026, with elements potentially finishing earlier, particularly on the Marine Place side.

Residents are being invited to comment on proposals for the ‘Marine Gate’ development, located on the eastern side of Marine Place. This photo shows how the site would look post-development. Photo: Craig Developments

placeholder image — Residents are being invited to comment on proposals for the ‘Marine Gate’ development, located on the eastern side of Marine Place. This photo shows how the site would look post-development. Photo: Craig Developments

In a consultation document, Craig Developments describes the location as a ‘highly sustainable town centre location’. It would be utilising the former goods-in and loading area previously used by Debenhams for its operations.

The developers added: “Development of the site for a similar three-storey building has been approved by Worthing Borough Council under planning reference AWDM/1884/22. Craig Developments have considered this previous approval and local residents and are bringing forward a scheme of 27 high quality one-bedroom apartments.

"We would like to hear your views on our proposals, which will deliver a number of key benefits.”

This comes after dozens of people responded to the developer’s appeal for name ideas, for the future title of the landmark Worthing development.

After careful consideration, Paul Craig and his business partner Ralph Gilbert decided to name the development ‘The Debenaire’ – inspired by Worthing resident Davina Leahy.

The planned apartment development is for 10–20 Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3DN.

Craig Developments states in its document that the proposals would bring forward ‘regeneration and enhancement’ of Marine Place, sustainably removing the existing buildings/structures on site which have ‘limited architectural merit’.

The document adds that the proposed design and architectural features would ‘complement the historic Art Deco character’ of the Debenhams building and the South Street Conservation Area.

The developers also pointed towards the planned reduction to the overall height of the building, when compared to the previous approval on site – ‘limiting impacts on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area’.

Listing further benefits, they added: “A lower number of total occupants when compared to the previously approved scheme, reducing demand on local services and facilities.

"Twenty-seven quality homes on a highly sustainable brownfield site, designed with energy efficiency at the forefront.

"A car free development which reflects the town centre location. Proposals include a car-share scheme which will reduce traffic congestion and contribute to a more sustainable community.

"Full-time building and site management by staff based within the Debenhams development.

"An efficient programme of works and building methods to ensure that the development is delivered quickly, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.”

It was described as a ‘holistic development’ plan, with works due to commence in 2027 – ‘following the immediate completion of the Debenhams site project’.

Members of the public are invited to share their views on the proposals by emailing [email protected].