Expansion of Worthing creative hub planned

What an expanded Colonnade House could look like

Creative and digital start-ups across Worthing could be given a post-Covid jobs boost with the proposed expansion of Colonnade House.

The Worthing Borough Council-owned creative hub has been a success since opening in 2015. This has continued during the pandemic with gallery space and artistic studios running at close to capacity this year.

Keen to provide even more artists, designers and tech start-ups with a platform to grow, the council is now looking to push ahead with plans to redevelop and expand the building in Warwick Street.

This will include upgrading the current facilities, installing ultrafast gigabit broadband and creating new studio units for micro-entrepreneurs by bringing back into use two redundant buildings in High Street. Six new homes, a cafe and further meeting and exhibition space could also be created.

The project is set to be discussed tomorrow (Tuesday November 3).

Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “Worthing has fast become a hotspot for innovative creative and digital industries with dozens of firms taking advantage of our vibrant communities, excellent connections and fantastic way of life.

“A big part of this has been the emergence of Colonnade House which has given local talent a platform to establish and grow while contributing to the wider vitality of the town centre and local economy.