Worthing health hub plans progress

Plans to create a new multi-million pound health hub in the heart of Worthing continue to progress with plans set to be made public in the coming months.

Worthing Borough Council is taking the lead on the project which aims to bring together a range of NHS services within a single new building on the current civic car park in Stoke Abbott Road.

The aim of bringing together a range of healthcare professionals together on one site is to make best use of public land while improving the quality of care and facilities for patients and staff.

While work continues behind the scenes to bring forward a detailed proposal, surveyors employed by the council were on site last week making detailed assessments.

Discussions around the design of the building are also underway with the Council hopeful that a planning application could be submitted later this year.

Councillor Dan Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, who was given an update on the progress of the project this week, said: “I'm pleased to see that plans for this long-awaited health hub are progressing.

“It is an excellent example of how the council is using its resources and excellent relationships with health sector partners to invest in our town.

“Worthing needs new, modern and accessible health facilities that are large enough to cater for our growing population while ensuring residents receive the best possible public services for many years to come.”

The 1.5 hectare site on the corner of Stoke Abbott Road and Christchurch Road is currently used for parking by town hall staff.

A plan to create a health hub on the site was given initial backing by councillors in December 2016, who released funding received through the Cabinet Office’s One Public Estate programme.

Since then officers have been working with partners in the NHS and the community to investigate the feasibility of a proposed development.

Legal agreements with partners could be signed in spring with consultation with all partners and affected groups this summer.

If planning approval is granted, work could start on site in 2020.