Plans for the site, which were created in collaboration with businesses and the community, include a stand-out Worthing place sign, a green living wall and a performance/sundeck area at the north end to welcome residents and visitors.

The current tarmac will be replaced with attractive paving, up to 30 new trees, drought-resistant planting, a lawn area and sociable seating areas for residents to connect with each other and with nature. There will also be more lighting to increase safety in the evening. 

Cafe culture will be kept alive with dedicated spaces for businesses to have outdoor seating. A new hospitality kiosk will also be built for vendors to serve refreshments from. 

Younger children will benefit from a new play area that celebrates Worthing’s seaside heritage and highlights kelp restoration. There will be information boards on the work to restore natural kelp forests as well as tactile fixed play equipment that lets children climb freely and use their imagination. 

The works will cost £3.1m and will be funded by £2.7m from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Fund, which is made up of payments made by developers building in the local area, and £400,000 of pooled business rates agreed with West Sussex County Council.

Montague Gardens will become the third public realm regeneration project within the current Worthing Growth Deal - a partnership between Worthing Borough Council and West Sussex County Council.

Cllr Rita Garner, Worthing’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It’s great news that work on Montague Gardens has started. This lively and attractive green space will revitalise the town centre, creating a welcoming and vibrant setting to meet in and relax for residents and visitors of all ages.”   

Cllr Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “I am looking forward to this excellent partnership project coming forward through the Growth Deal with Worthing Borough Council. This initiative will support Worthing town centre and the seafront economy. After extensive planning, all agreements are now in place and we are excited to move forward.”

The council plans to keep business and residents updated throughout the project, as well as more widely on social media and a dedicated web page: https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/montague-place-worthing/.