Readers given a first glimpse of site plans

THIS IS the first image of designs for a £40 million housing scheme to transform the old Aquarena site, ahead of a public consultation today (Tuesday, October 14).
The first images revealed for the plans for the old Aquarena site SUS-140610-170247001The first images revealed for the plans for the old Aquarena site SUS-140610-170247001
The first images revealed for the plans for the old Aquarena site SUS-140610-170247001

Roffey Homes and architects ECE hope to deliver their vision of a ‘sleek’ 20-storey tower, affordable housing and public realm improvements, subject to planning permission.

Roffey managing director Ben Cheal said: “This proposal is a sign of Worthing’s confidence in itself as a vibrant, thriving seaside town investing for the future and is a key part of its long-term future prosperity.”

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The developers held an initial consultation in June, where numerous residents expressed concerns about the proposals.

The height of the tower and lack of parking spaces for the adjacent Splashpoint leisure centre were key worries.

Since then, extensive work has been carried out in conjunction with Coastal West Sussex Design Panel and an environmental impact assessment produced.

The overall height of the tower remains the same but the number of apartments - 139 - has been reduced to create a thinner tower block.

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Additional parking spaces will be also built, with 77 spaces for Splashpoint users.

Public realm improvements between the development and the Active Beach Zone are also under consideration.

Mr Cheal said: “We have looked at lots of different designs and shapes for the tower and how they become iconic and sleek.

“We have lost quite a lot of bulk from the back of the tower and lost quite a few units.”

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Mr Cheal said they had considered towers of varying heights but had reached a ‘balance’, with a staggered frontage helping to maintain sea views for neighbouring residents.

The project will create up to 100 jobs at any one time, with 50 per cent of the workforce allocated for local people. The Aquarena would be demolished next summer, with the first brick laid in the autumn.

The consultation will be held between 5pm and 8pm at the Beach Residences marketing suite, in Marine Parade.

What do you think of the designs? Email [email protected]

For a full report and reaction from the meeting, see the Herald, out Thursday, October 16.

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