The journey to transform Montague Place permanently began during The Big Listen last summer, in which Worthing residents made clear that they wanted a green, welcoming space in the town centre. With this in mind, in January the Council began working with a range of local organisations, access groups, residents, businesses and town centre groups to find out how the space could best be transformed to reflect the needs and aspirations of local people. 

From these community conversations, as well as a second phase of public consultation, proposals were drawn up to return the street to a tree-lined oasis, creating an accessible green avenue at the heart of the town. The design was put to the public in June, and 72% of respondents supported bringing more greenery to the site. 

Funding for the ambitious transformation will come from Worthing’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Fund. The fund is made up of payments made by developers building in the local area, and allows the Council to fund projects that will benefit the local community and improve infrastructure in the borough. 

CIL funds have to be spent on infrastructure and services that will demonstrably help development, meaning the money can’t be used for the Council’s everyday services.

The Montague Place scheme is part of the Council’s work to make Worthing cleaner, greener and safer for everyone who lives, works in and visits the borough. Subject to a final decision by the Council, work is planned to begin to transform Montague Place in March 2024. 

Cllr Caroline Baxter, Worthing’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Our proposals for Montague Place have constantly changed and evolved to reflect the views of local people, and it’s so exciting to now have a design that really embodies our residents’ priorities.

“As well as increasing greenery and biodiversity in the town centre, this exciting development will create a welcoming haven for locals and visitors, and a beautiful town centre that we can all be proud of.”

The permanent scheme at Montague Place forms part of the public realm regeneration programme within the current Adur & Worthing Growth Deal - a partnership between Adur & Worthing Councils and West Sussex County Council to support local economic growth and revitalise public spaces.

To read more about the consultation, and see the latest design, visit: https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/montague-place-worthing/

For more about the work to transform the town follow #CleanerGreenerSaferWorthing on the Council’s social media channels.