Vacant Littlehampton shop could become community hub
A vacant shop in Littlehampton High Street could be turned into a community hub where residents can access advice, support and local services.
Littlehampton Town Council has submitted plans to change the use of the ground floor of 57 High Street, the former Bonmarché, into the new hub called Progress Point.
The centre would have a public reception area, meeting rooms and a space for community groups, workshops and advice sessions.
It would be run by the Town Council, as a place where residents can make enquiries, access support and find out about the local services available to them.
The plans also include new signage, branding and a security shutter at the front of the shop.
A statement submitted with the application says the project would bring a vacant unit back into use, ‘strengthening community infrastructure, supporting town-centre activity, improving access to advice and services, facilitating civic engagement and establishing an identifiable Town Council presence at the heart of Littlehampton.’
The hub would also allow for voluntary and community organisations, public bodies and local service providers to work together and provide activities.
The floors above are residential and the planning statement says the Town Council would manage the centre with consideration for the people living above it.
Arun District Council is set to make a decision on this application by December 25.