THE loss of a go-karting track dominated a discussion about the £2m regeneration of Worthing’s Brooklands Park.

The Brooklands Park masterplan, which was unveiled in October and looks set to transform the area, will have no space for the track, which was opened in the 1960s.

At a meeting of the full council, Rebecca Cooper (Lab, Marine) was one of several people to question the loss of the track, which will not have its lease renewed in September 2019.

While praising and supporting the ongoing work at Brooklands Park, Dr Cooper said: “I am concerned whether we have got the full view of the public about the go-karting track – whether they do want to keep it or not.”

The issue was also raised during public question time, when members were told that a 3,000-name petition had been collected, supporting the call for the track to stay.

Edward Crouch (Con, Marine) cabinet member for digital and environmental sciences, said the council had ‘a very difficult decision to make in terms of ensuring there is a wide provision’ in the park.

Mr Crouch had previously warned against dwelling on nostalgia when it came to the go-karts.

He said the business was welcome to submit a bid to be included in the site which would be ‘considered with all the others that come forward’.

With the track described as being ‘much loved by people for many decades’, the council was asked if it would work with the business to perhaps retain something similar in the regeneration project.

Mr Crouch was also asked if an alternative site would be found for the go-kart track.

Mr Crouch said that the council ‘recognised the impact’ the changes would have on the go-karting business but insisted: “We cannot and have not guaranteed that we will find another site.”

The idea behind the masterplan is to transform the area into a science adventure park, with an emphasis on learning through fun, play and exploration.

New features will include a café and lakeside picnicking area in the centre of the park, as well as improved walks and fitness trails, areas for outdoor events and an adventure play area.

The masterplan will see the loss of the miniature railway, while the Par 3 golf course will be closed and the cafe and pavilion buildings demolished.

The borough council had set aside £225,000 to replace the club house, but that money will now pay for the initial works associated with the masterplan.