Worthing man wants to ‘revitalise’ the old Wheatsheaf pub to help migrants

A Worthing man wants to ‘revitalise’ a long-derelict town-centre pub in order to help migrants.
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Mike Tyler wants to start a campaign to she the the old Wheatsheaf pub, in Richmond Road, used as a hub to encourage and help migrants and overseas students.

Mike, 84, who founded the Global Community Development Network charity, said the former pub was an ‘interesting premises’.

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It has been derelict for years and in July, 2018, the building was badly damaged by a fire. Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee rejected two applications for the site last year, due to concerns of the height and design of the three to four-storey building.

Mike Tyler is hoping to start a campaign to revitalise the closed Wheatsheaf Pub adjoining the library as an International Centre for Worthing. Pic S RobardsMike Tyler is hoping to start a campaign to revitalise the closed Wheatsheaf Pub adjoining the library as an International Centre for Worthing. Pic S Robards
Mike Tyler is hoping to start a campaign to revitalise the closed Wheatsheaf Pub adjoining the library as an International Centre for Worthing. Pic S Robards

Mike said: “Being a Christian, after I finished a career in business development I just felt I was being asked to use my experience to help those who are struggling, that was when I retired at 60, so for the past 25 years I’ve been trying to do that.”

Mike added that the old pub could be ‘put to good use’. He said: “The old building could be put to good use as a cultural centre or an international development centre which could encourage people to come in and bring council services into one place for migrants and to provide a base for my charity work and maybe one or two other charities who are helping overseas.

“But such a development would need much local support.”

Mike Tyler is hoping to start a campaign to revitalise the closed Wheatsheaf Pub adjoining the library as an International Centre for Worthing. Pic S RobardsMike Tyler is hoping to start a campaign to revitalise the closed Wheatsheaf Pub adjoining the library as an International Centre for Worthing. Pic S Robards
Mike Tyler is hoping to start a campaign to revitalise the closed Wheatsheaf Pub adjoining the library as an International Centre for Worthing. Pic S Robards
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One of Mike’s goals is to encourage migrants to play a ‘full part in the community’ and create one place that people can visit. He added: “I want people to be encouraged and equipped to settle into the community, understand cultural differences, have English language tutition, and have access to council services at the same place.”