Both buildings are owned by Worthing Borough Council, which has been working in partnership with the Adur & Worthing Trust at Colonnade House since 2016 to provide affordable workspaces for the creative community and galleries that showcase the work of local, regional and national artists.

This new space has been specifically designed for youth arts and local community use at a time when demand for creative space is high and waiting lists at Colonnade House for its public-facing facilities are up to one year long. 

The workshop will provide a diverse, inclusive programme of activities with a primary focus on youth provision, including after-school, half-term and summer holiday arts education, led by local professionals.

Working artists, makers and creatives will also use the space for workshops, experiments and more, and there will be dedicated resources for local community groups and creative enterprises.

Work to improve accessibility and sustainability at Colonnade House also continues to progress.

Last year Worthing Borough Council began work to upgrade the building with the help of a grant of more than £460,000 from Arts Council England, and an additional £40,000 from the council.

The plans include repairs to the roof, a new accessible entrance system and utilising the building’s exterior to create a collaborative space for artists and users.

A host of sustainable measures are also included, such as installing solar panels and triple glazing, and replacing the current heating system with a more sustainable system.

Councillor Dom Ford, Worthing’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “Colonnade House is extremely important to the local creative community here in Worthing. This workshop will be the only dedicated facility of its kind in the local area and will not only  ensure the long-term viability of cultural services in Worthing, but meet a vital social and educational need for more youth arts education.”

Karen Simporis, chair of Adur & Worthing Trust, said: “The Adur & Worthing Trust is thrilled and relieved to have the proposed change of use for our new workshop / meeting space agreed. Plans are afoot and there’s been a lot of interest, but there’s room for more.

So send us your ideas, proposals, suggestions, and tell us what you want to do or put on.

After all - it’s your space!”