A MUSIC charity backed by Rag N Bone Man is to open a base in a former Dorothy Perkins store in Worthing.

AudioActive will occupy all three floors inside the building on Montague Road, Worthing which previously housed the clothing retailer.

It plans to create a workshop and performance space for the young musicians and artists it supports to practice their craft.

The Argus: The charity supported Sussex-born singer Rag 'N' Bone Man at the start of his career.The charity supported Sussex-born singer Rag 'N' Bone Man at the start of his career.

The charity helped Uckfield-born singer Rag ‘N’ Bone Man at the start of his career and the charity’s chief executive Adam Joolia, believes the town has plenty more talent to offer.

He said arts and cultural organisations like his can lead to a “renaissance” of town centres like Worthing, which are “facing a declining retail economy and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Adam said: “Worthing is a great place to get things done. The Council is very open, accessible and supportive of us.

The Argus: The charity supports young musicians and artists in Sussex.The charity supports young musicians and artists in Sussex.

“We now have a great opportunity and we believe we can really achieve something in Worthing.”

The move supports the Council’s bid to create a vibrant town centre life and attract new creative and cultural entrepreneurs.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “Worthing continues to grow a strong reputation for the creative industries and the town is benefiting from investment in gigabit broadband and a growth in demand of co-working facilities.”

On January 7, it was announced that the Worthing branch of Dorothy Perkins, alongside Burton which occupies the same building, would not reopen.

It followed the news that the Arcadia group, which owns the retailer and other high street staples such as Topshop and Topman, had gone into administration.

Last week, online fashion retailer Boohoo said it was in exclusive talks to buy the Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton brands in a move which will also not include any stores.

In a short statement to investors in London on Friday morning, Boohoo said: “Boohoo Group plc, a leading online fashion group, notes recent media commentary.

“The group confirms that it is in exclusive discussions with the administrators of Arcadia over the acquisition of the Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton (excluding HIIT) brands.

“These discussions may or may not result in agreement of a transaction. A further announcement will be made when appropriate.”