A MULTI-MILLION pound project to radically improve health services for tens of thousands of Worthing residents has taken a big step forward.

After months of work behind the scenes, Worthing Borough Council has formally submitted a planning application to create a health hub on the civic centre car park in Stoke Abbott Road.

If approved, the new contemporary building, which will be known as the Worthing Integrated Care Centre, will bring together GP surgeries, mental health provision, community care and a pharmacy onto one central site.

In addition to making it easier for patients to access care, it will also provide a significant upgrade to the facilities used by scores of NHS staff while making best use of public land.

Cllr Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m pleased to see the progress on this crucial project which could transform the way tens of thousands of residents receive healthcare.

“Bringing together services onto one site like this could not only make it easier for those accessing care but also give our fantastic NHS workers state-of-the-art facilities to provide better integrated care.”

The facility would combine GP surgeries, mental health specialists, outpatients, health visitors, a chemist and services for families and children.

It is to be located on the car park at the back of Worthing Town Hall and would see the existing Central Clinic site demolished to make way.

A new multi-storey car park for 181 cars and 68 cycle spaces is also to be built next to the new centre.

The application is now open for public consultation ahead of a decision being taken by the council’s planning Ccmmittee later this year.

To view or comment on the proposal search for AWDM/0805/20 at https://planning.adur-worthing.gov.uk/online-applications/