PLANS for the controversial £45 million redevelopment of Worthing’s former Aquarena have taken a big step forward after developer Roffey Homes took formal ownership of the seafront site.

Planning permission for the redevelopment of the site to provide 141 homes including a 15-storey tower, a seafront cafe block to include 141 homes and commercial space was granted by Worthing Borough Council earlier this year.

More than 2,000 residents signed a petition against the plan, saying it was too tall and “out of place”.

Dozens of residents attended a public meeting to express their anxiety.

Now the local authority has completed the sale of the site, town bosses are hopeful that work can begin in the coming months.

Councillor Dan Humphreys, leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “This is a big step forward in what is a major redevelopment for the town.

“I’m confident that Roffey will soon start work on delivering much-needed new homes including affordable apartments for shared ownership and rent for our residents, as well as creating commercial space and a seafront cafe and public open space which will complement a thriving and vibrant seafront community.

“It is another example of how we are driving forward economic development in Worthing.”

The transfer of the land was agreed by the council and Roffey Homes at the end of last week.

The next step will be the developer erecting hoardings around the site.

The deal means temporary parking at the Aquarena, used mainly by those visiting the neighbouring Splashpoint Leisure Centre, has now stopped.

South Downs Leisure Trust, which operates the centre, is reminding motorists that discounted parking in Beach House Grounds is still available. Visitors can also access Splashpoint via the 700 or Pulse bus services while there is plenty of cycle parking in the area.

The council is also taking steps to provide a new public car park on the disused tennis courts accessed via Lyndhurst Road.