Grafton multi-storey car park in Marine Parade, Worthing closed suddenly in May due to “concrete inside the car park failing”.
Now, Worthing Borough Council has announced it “won’t reopen in its current form before the site is redeveloped, with the focus instead being on transforming the site into a valuable regeneration project for the seafront and town centre”.
“Bringing the ageing building back into use would cost taxpayers at least £17.1m and cause lengthy disruption”, an announcement read.
“Last night councillors agreed that this would not deliver the best value for taxpayers due to its proximity to the site being redeveloped.
“Instead we will prioritise finding a developer who is keen to take on and transform the site for the benefit of the whole community, in line with Worthing’s Local Plan and the site’s key location on the town’s seafront.”
The council has said that Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, the Level 1 food and drink area and a small number of shops in Montague Street which also form part of the site will remain open while the area comes forward for redevelopment.
Read more: Worthing councillor thinks Grafton car park will be ‘left to rot’
The council has said that since beginning to remarket the site in August there has been “strong interest” from a number of potential buyers.
“A number of expressions of interest” are expected to be submitted before October 10, which is the deadline the council has set for developers to come forward.
“Offers that come in will be explored and evaluated before a preferred option for the redevelopment of the site will be selected”, the council has said.
“We could then be in a position to be able to select a developer for the project in Spring 2026.”
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