Expression of interest process launched for lease of Colonnade House in Worthing
Released: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
We are inviting creative and cultural organisations and businesses to help shape the future of Colonnade House.
Working in partnership with the Adur & Worthing Trust, in 2016 we transformed the historic building on Warwick Street into a welcoming multipurpose venue that provides affordable workspaces for the creative community and galleries that showcase the work of local, regional and national artists.
The trust’s lease expires in March 2027 and we have a legal duty to undertake an open and transparent tendering process for the new lease to commence in April 2027.
Colonnade House has become a popular hub for the creative community in Worthing and recently marked its 10th anniversary with a special alumni exhibition of artworks from 10 artists who represented every year it has been open.
Through the launch of an expression of interest process, we aim to sustain Colonnade House’s success at bringing creatives and the community together and support growth for the next 10 years and beyond.
We are seeking imaginative proposals for the building, which includes a ground floor street-facing exhibition space, three floors of creative workspace that is divided into 10 unique studio spaces. A new multipurpose workshop area is also being developed next door in High Street, Worthing.
Each area of the building has a separate entrance and could be operated as its own entity, but all proposals must include the use and management of the ground floor gallery space.
We are particularly interested in proposals that expand the variety of art forms represented in Worthing, retain an inviting high street presence, involve residents from all backgrounds and demonstrate long-term financial viability.
Councillor Dom Ford, Worthing’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said:
“Colonnade House is extremely important to the local creative community here in Worthing, which is testament to the great partnership with the Adur & Worthing Trust over the last 10 years. We want to ensure that it continues to act as a space where local talent is developed and showcased, the community feels welcome, and economic growth is boosted.”
Expressions of interest to take on the next lease are open until Monday 30th November 2026.
Organisations can find out more and submit their proposals here:
Photo: Colonnade House, Worthing (copyright and credit - Jim Stephenson)
(PR26-095)
Page last updated: 21 October 2026