Landmark moment for Worthing charity as it announces acquisition of large town centre office building

The Worthing-based charity has bought the freehold of Saxon House, an office complex in Little High Street that was purpose-built for the Environment Agency in 1998.

The freehold was marketed for sale with the building part let and Guild Care says Aviva will continue to use the office space it currently occupies.

The two-storey building is T-shaped with three wings running off a central core. It is mainly open plan, with the benefit of a kitchen, passenger lift and 77parking spaces.

Warren Fabes, chief executive, said: "The acquisition of Saxon House is a transformational moment for Guild Care. The new facility will allow us to extend our reach and enhance the services we provide to the local community.

"We are excited about the opportunities it creates for the people who use our services as well as our staff and volunteers, and ensures that we can continue to deliver compassionate, effective and accessible care in a bright, modern, and supportive environment.

"This is a landmark moment for Guild Care as we embark on a transformative journey that will have a lasting positive impact on those we serve."

The purchase was made possible by businessman and local philanthropist Mike Holland, who became a Guild Care patron last summer, and other local supporters. Mike has been a long-term supporter of the charity as his son, who has cerebral palsy, is a service user.

Warren said: "We look forward to a bright and inspiring future with Saxon House at the heart of our community. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mike Holland, a patron, major donor and long-term supporter of Guild Care, whose generous donation has contributed significantly to enable this acquisition.

"We would also like to thank Jacobs Steel Estate Agents for their support in helping us acquire Saxon House, as well as Bennett Griffin Solicitors, who acted on behalf of Guild Care on the purchase of Saxon House.”

Mike started working in housebuilding at 18 and by the time he was 21, he was investing in the construction of his developments. As a successful businessman, he has always been involved with charities and champions the essential work of the voluntary sector.

In recognition of his unwavering support of Guild Care, Saxon House will in future be renamed Holland House. The decision is consistent with other buildings being named after the charity’s founders and patrons.

The acquisition aligns with the charity’s long-term growth strategy and marks a major step forward in making its vision a reality, enabling it to expand services and enhance the care provided, in a modern, purpose-built environment.

The charity’s vision is to ensure everyone in need of care lives a safe, secure and fulfilling life. The purchase of Saxon House supports its mission to provide accessible, effective, and compassionate services.

There will be purpose-built spaces designed to meet the unique needs of those Guild Care supports, ensuring safe and modern care environments.

Combined with nearby Methold House, its head office, the new open-plan workspace offers ample parking and enhanced facilities for the transport team, enabling safer and more efficient transportation for service users.

Saxon House also provides additional space to expand the charity’s services, fostering a community hub where more people in the local area can access the support they need.

These enhancements will enable Guild Care to strengthen services, improve user experiences, and create a more unified, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all.

Services will continue as they are while plans are developed. The charity will be consulting with service users, staff and volunteers about the best uses for the additional space at Saxon House before confirming any move into the new building.

Guild Care supports older people, people living with dementia, and children and adults with learning disabilities. Visit www.guildcare.org for more information.