Consultation Results
Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:03:58 GMT
Worthing Borough Council and the Worthing Masterplan Board would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete a questionnaire and talk to Masterplan Programme Team staff during September’s consultation on the latest regeneration plans for Worthing town centre. Overall, the response from residents and visitors was really positive and people clearly want Worthing to be a more inviting, exciting and vibrant place to be.
Hundreds of responses were submitted and some of the key findings are as follows:- 66% of people felt that shared use of the promenade by cyclists and pedestrians was the way forward. Many people felt that this should be managed by clear signage, speed limitations and pedestrian right of way.
“Provided all obey simple rules and give consideration to others, this should work – it does in other areas”.
- The proposals for the Active Beach Zone received much support and lots of different activities were proposed for this area. Many people were enthusiastic about further research being undertaken into the possibility of providing a sea water pool as part of the Active Beach Zone.
- 63% of people felt that the proposals to improve the pedestrian environment from Worthing Station to the seafront were along the right lines. It was generally felt that the town should provide a warm welcome to visitors from the Station through the town centre with cafes, sculptures and plants.
- Many people felt that a positive contribution towards a year-round economy would be enhanced by improvements to the LIDO. An ice-skating rink was a popular idea.
“We want an ice rink; I think we should have an ice rink by the sea”.
- 47% of people were in favour of complete redevelopment of the Guildbourne Centre with 21% being in favour of refurbishment and 32% expressing no view. The Council will now give particular attention to the implications of this scale of development. Many people expressed concern about what the impact of a new shopping area would have on existing retailers. Any proposals will therefore need to include a strategy for supporting existing retailers in other parts of the town centre.
“The Guildbourne is constantly being refurbished but is a landmark that Worthing needs to loose”.
- 59% of people felt that they would like to see a new or improved theatre, arts and community complex on the site which includes the Town Hall, law courts and library. There was a general feeling that as Worthing has plenty of theatres, the existing should be improved rather than a new facility provided. People were very aware and concerned about the cost implications of providing new and/or improved cultural facilities.
“All improvements are good but funds are always limited”.
Deputy Council Leader, Ann Barlow, said:
“It is great to hear so many positive contributions from residents of Worthing, we will use all the information gathered to shape the future of our town and really get things moving forward and really get things moving forward. We have already seen new leisure activities on the seafront this summer."
The results of the consultation have been passed to Consultants EDAW and Donaldsons who will now incorporate them into the final Strategy Documents which should be approved by Worthing Council early in the New Year. This will mean that work can begin in earnest in bringing some of the first projects to fruition in time for the summer season 2008.
For more information on the Masterplan visit www.worthingregeneration.co.uk or contact the Masterplan Programme Team on 01903 221304.
The results of the consultation have been passed to Consultants EDAW and Donaldsons who will now incorporate them into the final Strategy Documents which should be approved by Worthing Council early in the New Year. This will mean that work can begin in earnest in bringing some of the first projects to fruition in time for the summer season 2008.
The Consultation results have been collated and can be downloaded from the link below
Public Consultation Results
For more information on the Masterplan visit worthingregeneration.co.uk or contact the Masterplan Programme Team on 01903 221304.