Organisations are being invited to put forward ‘imaginative’ investment ideas for a ‘prominent’ site on Worthing seafront.

Worthing Borough Council (WBC) is inviting expressions of interest for the West Buildings Shelter in Marine Parade.

The authority said it is encouraging investors, businesses and other organisations to propose ‘new and imaginative uses for the space’ which ‘celebrate Worthing's coastal identity and bring new life to the seafront’.

A WBC spokesperson said: “The shelter is a locally listed heritage asset located around 500 metres west of Worthing Pier.

placeholder image — West Buildings Shelter. Photo: WBC

"Taking inspiration from other coastal towns, the council would welcome proposals that either make use of the existing structure or replace it with a new building that is sensitive in its design and scale while, where possible, retaining key architectural features and historic elements.

"Plans to develop a restaurant at the site have previously been presented to the council's planning committee by a previous developer, but they didn’t progress.

"The exterior of the shelter is currently used by Colonnade House, the council's studio and gallery space run in partnership with Adur & Worthing Trust, to showcase artwork by local creatives.

"The opportunity forms part of the council's wider work to bring inward investment and new ideas to selected sites across Worthing.

"Expressions of interest are also currently being invited for land at Brooklands Park, supporting efforts to diversify the town's leisure and cultural offer, strengthen the local economy and bring underused spaces back to life.”

WBC leader Councillor Caroline Baxter said: "The West Buildings Shelter site is an important landmark on our promenade with great potential to offer more to our residents and visitors.

"We have seen this work well in other coastal towns and by opening this site up for expressions of interest, we're inviting organisations to bring forward investment proposals that will help make Worthing an even more attractive and thriving place for the benefit of all."

The expression of interest process is now open, with round one submissions invited until Sunday, September 20.

A preferred proposal is expected to be selected later this year, WBC said.

To find out more and apply, visit: https://property.shw.co.uk/property/details/40425/seafront-shelter-west-buildings-marine-parade-worthing-west-sussex-development-commercial