A MAJOR eyesore earmarked for development for more than decade is set to be demolished.

The Teville Gate multi-storey car park and the surrounding area in Worthing town centre has been identified as a prime plot for new homes and commercial space.

Demand for parking on the site has been decreasing while running and maintenance costs have risen.

The 114 spaces still available are rarely filled.

Worthing Borough Council says it would cost £2 million over the next four years to keep the car park open.

The council has now agreed to release the funds needed to kickstart plans to demolish the 1960s building.

Officials said the move had the added incentive of encouraging the freeholder Mosaic to consider demolishing the other buildings on the site.

Mosaic could then submit more formal redevelopment plans to help create a new gateway to the town.

The site acts as a link between Worthing’s main train station and the town centre.

Council executive member for regeneration Kevin Jenkins said: “For too many years, there has been false hope after false hope around this site.

“To get to this stage has required some really detailed and delicate behind-the-scenes negotiations but I’m confident that it delivers a strong and very visible message that we are committed to regenerating the town.

“I know I will not be the only one pleased to see the back of this eyesore car park.

“Once demolished I believe it will generate real momentum in bringing forward this complex but very important gateway scheme.”

The decision to release £60,000 towards consultancy costs and erect hoardings around the site was made by members of Adur and Worthing Councils’ joint strategic committee earlier this week.

The £1.6 million demolition cost will be funded from the local growth fund provided by the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.

In order to ensure the long-term lease remains active and income is still generated for the council, a replacement 100-capacity surface car park will be built in its place.

People with existing car parking season tickets for the site will be offered a refund for the time left or transfer their permit to High Street car park.

Mosaic has already agreed to push ahead with the demolition plan and work could start over the coming months.