New Food, Drink, Well-Being Hub For Worthing Seafront

Thursday, 3 June 2021 06:00

By Jade McLean

A pop-up project, turning an area of land on Worthing seafront into a food, drink and well-being hub will open this summer.

The new pop-up project is being developed by property company QED and will turn under-utilised space on the seafront into a flexible and creative space for local businesses.

Work starts this week (beginning June, 2021) on the open-air terrace at Grafton multi-storey car park.

Known as Level 1, it will open this Summer and operate all year round.

As well as food and drink outlets, visitors can expect health and wellbeing activities, public art and events like beach cleans, comedy and quiz nights and Christmas markets.

It comes after the plans received permission from Worthing Borough Council's Planning Committee last week.

Harry Smith, Director at QED, said:

"The pop-up site will be known as Level 1 and will be open year-round. We will have a schedule of activities including pilates, yoga, walking clubs and Tai-Chi, as well as there being food and drinks available throughout the day.

"We are hoping it will be a next step for some Worthing and Sussex based businesses to grow and flourish post pandemic. We believe that Level 1 will offer the residents of Worthing the opportunity to work, eat, drink, exercise and have fun whilst enjoying the views of the seafront.

"We hope the pop-up will create 24 full-time equivalent jobs and we will focus on recruiting those aged 16-24 years old that have been hardest hit by the pandemic."

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

"We're excited to welcome QED and Level 1 to Worthing. It's a fantastic idea and will transform a prime spot on the seafront which is currently under-utilised into a vibrant and welcoming feature.

"I know there's lots of interest from residents and businesses alike in making use of the new pop-up terrace. The offer is exciting and will complement our fantastic range of local businesses and

"It's yet another piece in the jigsaw of our ongoing work to invest in the seafront and regenerate the town as a whole."

The Council continues to work towards the longer term regeneration plans of the wider Grafton site.

To find out more about the plans and keep up to date visit www.level1worthing.co.uk.