Worthing Borough Council celebrates work completing at Montague Gardens with opening event
Released: Monday, 07 September 2026
Worthing residents enjoyed performances from local musicians as well as free ice creams and face-painting at the official opening of Montague Gardens - a new green space that links the town centre to the seafront.
Our plans for the transformation of the public space, previously called Montague Place, were created in collaboration with businesses and the community in order to breathe new life into the town centre, attract more visitors and boost local businesses.
Stand-out features include a vibrant Worthing place sign created by artist Molly Hawkins with input from residents at a trio of workshops back in May, as well as a recently-planted green living wall and a performance area at the north end.
New trees, shrubs and flowers have been planted throughout, alongside new paving, a lawn and additional seating where people can relax and enjoy the space. Dedicated outdoor seating areas have also been created for local businesses, while additional lighting will help make the area feel safer and more welcoming in the evenings.
Linking the town centre to the sea is a key feature of the whole project and the southern end of the space features an innovative play area that has been designed to resemble sea kelp. Once the safety flooring is complete, the bespoke terrazzo play area will allow children to climb freely and safely with a view of the sea in the near distance.
Installation of the new kiosk will follow shortly, and we will let residents know when it will open and who will be operating it via our social media channels.
At the official opening ceremony, which took place on Saturday 5th September 2026, crowds heard about the vision for Montague Gardens and how the project has developed from Cllr Caroline Baxter, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, Dr Beccy Cooper, the MP for Worthing West, as well as council officers, and Cllr Yvonne Gravely, West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for economy & skills.
The event was also attended by Tom Rutland, the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, and the Mayor of Worthing, Cllr Lysanne Skinner, who cut the official opening ribbon.
Children enjoyed free ice creams and face-painting and everyone who came along was treated to performances by Spring into Soul Choir, Drumheads Samba Band, AudioActive and Davison Youth Concert Band.
Montague Gardens is the third public realm regeneration project within the current Worthing Growth Deal - a partnership between us and West Sussex County Council.
The works cost £3.1m and were 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.
Cllr Baxter said:
“It was fantastic to see Montague Gardens brought to life this weekend with lively performances by talented local musicians.
“The new space not only provides a direct link between the town centre and the sea, but is a great space to stop and spend time when you're out and about in Worthing.”
Cllr Yvonne Gravely, West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for economy and skills, added:
"Montague Gardens is a significant investment in Worthing's future. By creating an attractive route between the town centre and the seafront, this project will help encourage more footfall, support local businesses and enhance the experience of residents and visitors alike.
“We are proud to have worked in partnership with Worthing Borough Council to deliver a space that will benefit the town for years to come."
Photo: Montague Gardens - Davison Youth Concert Band performing at the opening event
Photo: Views of the new Montague Gardens
Photo: Cllr Caroline Baxter, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, at the opening event
(PR26-076)
Page last updated: 07 September 2026