Work starts on Montague Gardens in Worthing
Released: Tuesday, 15 July 2025
Work has started on the transformation of Montague Place into Montague Gardens - a new green space that will link Worthing town centre to the seafront.
We have appointed local company Edburton Contractors to undertake the work, which will be done in phases over a 12 to 15 month period to minimise disruption to businesses and residents.
Last year we revealed the final plans for the vibrant new space that will breathe new life into the town centre, attract more visitors and boost local businesses.
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 our 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 us 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.”
We will keep business and residents updated throughout the project, as well as more widely on social media and our dedicated web page:
Images: Artist's impressions for the new green space in Montague Place, Worthing. Appearance may change during delivery. The depicted vegetation is representative of the fully established vegetation (5+ years), not its initial stage.
(PR25-048)
Page last updated: 18 July 2025