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Empty Shops Network - Worthing & A
Seafront & Public Realm
Adur
Empty Shops Network - Worthing & Adur
The Empty Shops Network has been set up to ensure that empty shops across Worthing and Adur could be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from one-day events like community workshops, food fairs or craft markets, through week-long art exhibitions, to longer-term projects such as studios, workspaces and small business incubators.
Worthing has been recognised as one of the towns worst hit in the recession by the Department of Communities and Local Government, who have given Worthing Borough Council a grant of £52,000 to tackle the problem. In addition, the council have secured a grant from the Coastal West Sussex Board for £35,000 which has been allocated to the Empty Shops Network.
More recently one of Worthing's biggest empty shops has been brought back to life by local community groups.A carpet showroom, formerly Allied Carpets in Buckingham Road, was been renamed The UpMarket for six weeks over half term, which sold vintage and recycled goods, hosted a radio station and exhibited art to support local charities. Using empty shops is a low-cost, high-impact activity; for a small investment, generating a buzz in the town centre and bringing additional footfall to support existing shops, it also aims to raise the profile of shopping areas in local media, and in the longer term acts as an incubator for new business. Revolutionary Arts Group, a local social enterprise which is a national leader in the field, are currently running the national Empty Shops Network with Dan Thompson as the chair, and proving that from economic decline, comes a spark of creativity!
To listen to the Podcasts and the Empty shops radio follow the link http://emptyshopsradio.com/
For more information on Artists and Makers, home of the Empty Shops Network website click the link http://artistsandmakers.com/staticpages/index.php/emptyshops
Public Realm Improvements
(Public Realm Strategy and Seafront Strategy)
The quality of Worthing's "Public Realm" (streets, public spaces, lighting, seating etc) does not adequately reflect the aspiration for a new, modern and vibrant town. The Seafront is the town's most important asset, and provides a major attraction for visitors and an amenity for local residents. The Seafront needs to be developed into a distinctive destination, One key objective is to strengthen sea defences. An action plan of priorities has been drawn up, the key short-term projects which are currently being implemented are detailed below.
In 2007 Consultants EDAW were commissioned to progress the Masterplan vision (as it was then known) to the next stage. The initial vision of the Masterplan and recommendations from the final report, are now being relaised through a programme of projects. These aim to give a clear indication to Worthing's future Public Realm and Seafront
Public Art, Seafront Seating, Interpretation
Worthing Borough Council was fortunate in that it was awarded £70,000 of funding from the Public Service Board via West Sussex County Council. The funding was earmarked for Public Realm works which will positively contribute towards the economic vibrancy of the town. A Public Art Strategy commissioned with Artists Consultant, Frances Lord and Artist Steve Geliot. The strategy will be in place from 2009 with report available on this website (Strategies Page).
Following reccommendations for new paving and signature seating, high quality planting, cycle racks, signage and other street furniture, works have recently been completed on Chapel Road. Widened pedestrian routes with the provision of new surfacing including drop kerbs and tactile paving have also been implemented. The new layout has greatly improved pedestrianflow through and has opened up the space to give a more vibrant feel to the town centre.
Works have also recently been completed outside of the Town Hall and Museum with a wider public space, and new seating which provides greater accessibility.
following on from the paving works throughout the town, BDP working with the Regeneration Team have commissioned a series of directional Monoliths which will next be installed (spring/summer 2010) at various key locations, such as outside of Worthing Station, the Museum & Art Gallery, town centre and the seafront. For an example of the monolith layout, click here: monolith 1 layout to open a PDf showing the Station Monolith (after you have opened this file, you will need to click on 'View' and 'rotate counterclockwise' )
(An example of the Museum & Art Gallery Monoliths below)
Active Beach Zone (activities & improvements)
Concessions have recently been advertised in the local press to increase the offer on the seafront throughout the summer months, with a range of activities and stalls promoting everything from temporary tattoo's, hair braiders, balloon modellers to seafood sellers. A number of concessions are currently being processed through Estates and several new ones are pending decisions. The full range of concessions can be found on the Worthing Borough Council website.
If you have a concession and would like to apply for a spot in Worthing, please follow the link which will take you to the application process
A cafe at Splash Point, 'Coast Cafe' has also bought a new energy and vibrance to this location, which could prove to be a catalyst for future enhancements, the owner has recently been in negotiations with the Council to enhance the area further by creating an 'arts and crafts' market and renting out some of the chalets as Artists Studio spaces. The recently decorated chalets can be seen in a variety of stunning colours which makes quiate an impact to the up and coming area. More information and images will be updated shortly.
Splash Point
The Programme Team ion 2009 put a second application to *CABE's Sea Change Programme for funding and were succesfully award £500k for improvements to Splash Point. The application was a success thanks to Worthing's historical and diverse cultural background. Speakers Corner' at Splash Point is to be reinstated, and Splash Point will undergo a cultural makeover. Following a design competition with the Landscape Institute, Craft:pegg successfully became Worthing's answer to a new and tranquil design of Splash Point, with their subtle and classic vision.
Craft:pegg and the website devoted to Splash Point can be found here:
Splash Point Website
Splash Point March 2010 new colour scheme
*CABE- Commission of Architecture and the Built Envirnoment
Seafront Shelter(s)
The shelter at the end of Crescent Road has been granted planning permission for use as a restaurant/café. The Cabinet member for Rescources recently has accepted an offer from a developer/operator, who will shortly be taking the project forward. This has come after successfully advertising the shelter in the national press.
The Shelter at the top of Steine Gardens meanwhile has been advertised for concession stands and hopefully in the very near future a lively concession will be appearing at a prom near you....
