Council pursuing next steps on Worthing Integrated Care Centre
Released: Wednesday, 03 June 2026
Further delays caused by problems in the water system at the Worthing Integrated Care Centre (WICC) have led to the cost increasing to almost £49m.
When it is fully operational, the WICC will be the first centre of its kind in Sussex, providing a range of NHS services on one site and allowing the community to receive better healthcare.
However ongoing problems with the building's water system mean that sampling has found traces of legionella bacteria at the WICC again - two months after contractor Galliford Try told us it had eradicated all traces of legionella from the system.
Galliford Try had spent months working on the system, installing new equipment and setting up new water management processes inside the building to try to resolve the issues.
But despite this, testing by an independent water hygiene specialist employed by us has again found traces of legionella in the water system.
The building itself is substantially complete. However, ongoing issues with the water system mean it cannot yet be handed over for NHS occupation. We won't accept handover of the water system until Galliford Try can demonstrate that the system is fully safe and functional and that NHS tenants can occupy the building and treat patients safely.
A report to be considered by our joint strategic committee next week recommends that members agree to an increase in the budget by just over £2.4m, which would take the total budget to £48.945m. We continue to consider all legal remedies available to seek recovery of costs.
When construction of the WICC began at Stoke Abbott Road in March 2022, the budget was just under £34m and work was expected to be completed by December 2023.
West Sussex (Worthing) Limited, known as WSWL, was appointed by us to develop the site. Contractors were appointed to carry out the design and construction of the building.
Initially, costs increased significantly due to post-Covid supply chain issues, increasing energy prices and manpower shortages. Delays to the project, along with construction problems, have pushed up the costs further.
The joint strategic committee will be asked next week to allow officers to appoint any additional legal or consultancy firms deemed necessary to complete the WICC and recover costs incurred as a result of delays and construction issues.
To read the full report, see:
Photo: Worthing Integrated Care Centre
(PR26-048)
Page last updated: 03 June 2026