WORK is underway on a new seafront food, drink and wellbeing pop-up hub.
The project is set to turn under-utilised land overlooking Worthing seafront into a temporary food and drink outlet for local independent businesses.
Property company QED will begin transforming the open-air terrace at Grafton multi-storey car park, with work set to last a matter of weeks.
Known as Level 1, it will open this summer and operate all year round.
It comes after the plans received permission from Worthing Borough Council’s Planning Committee last week.
Harry Smith, director at QED, said: “The pop-up site will be known as Level 1 and will be open year round. We will have a schedule of activities including pilates, yoga, walking clubs and Tai-Chi, as well as there being food and drinks available throughout the day.
“We are hoping it will be a next step for some Worthing and Sussex-based businesses to grow and flourish post pandemic. We believe that Level 1 will offer the residents of Worthing the opportunity to work, eat, drink, exercise and have fun whilst enjoying the views of the seafront.
“We hope the pop-up will create 24 full-time equivalent jobs and we will focus on recruiting those aged 16-24 years old who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.”
As well as being a hub for food and beverage businesses, the terrace will host health and wellbeing activities, public art and events like beach cleans, comedy and quiz nights and Christmas markets.
Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “We’re excited to welcome QED and Level 1 to Worthing. It’s a fantastic idea and will transform a prime spot on the seafront which is currently under-utilised into a vibrant and welcoming feature.
“I know there’s lots of interest from residents and businesses alike in making use of the new pop-up terrace. The offer is exciting and will complement our fantastic range of local businesses.
“It’s yet another piece in the jigsaw of our ongoing work to invest in the seafront and regenerate the town as a whole.”
The council continues to work towards the longer-term regeneration plans of the wider Grafton site.
To find out more about the plans and keep up to date visit www.level1worthing.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel