Worthing Bid concerned about closure of Grafton car park

Grafton multi-storey car park in Marine Parade, Worthing, was closed on Friday, May 16, due to concrete failing inside the building. 

Worthing Borough Council reported that it would be carrying out “urgent investigation” into the condition of the structure, which is more than 60 years old.

Worthing Business Improvement District (Bid) said it is “deeply concerned” about the impact the closure will have on businesses in the town centre, with the combined effect of roadworks and parking issues. 

A spokesman for the Bid said: “Worthing Bid was made aware of the recent temporary closure of Grafton car park on Friday and understands the disappointment and concern this will cause for local businesses and residents. 

“While safety must rightly be the top priority, we are deeply concerned about the impact this will have when combined with the roadworks and other parking issues. 

“The council has assured us that they will work swiftly and effectively to find a suitable solution. 

“We remain committed to supporting our business community in every way we can and will continue to advocate strongly for the interests of both our businesses and the town.”

In March, Worthing Bid manager Hannah Manzaroli called for “urgent action” from the council before businesses were forced to close.

Hannah Manzaroli, Worthing Bid manager (Image: The Argus) Traders in the town centre reported a drop in footfall and trade due to disruption caused by works associated with Hemiko’s heat network. 

Ms Manzaroli also said that businesses would be impacted by changes to town centre parking, with visitors now having to pay on arrival rather than on departure.

The council issued an update on the situation yesterday, May 19, and said specialist engineers will begin examinations this week.

A statement reads: “Thanks to everyone for their patience over the weekend and today, after we were forced to close Grafton car park on Friday without notice so that we could carry out urgent safety investigation work.

“We’ve spoken to town centre businesses and business groups about the need to close the car park and we’re currently looking for ways to make it easier for people to come into the town centre to shop or to work.

The car park on Worthing seafront (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) “In the meantime our other car parks remain open. There were spaces available at our Buckingham Road, Civic Quarter and High Street multi-storeys over the weekend when the warm weather attracted many people to the town centre and seafront.

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“The safety of the public is our priority so we have closed Grafton to prevent there being any potential risk to people using it, following advice from independent consulting structural engineers. 

“Hollywood Bowl, Level 1 and the nearby shops remain open.

“Specialist engineers will begin their detailed examination of Grafton this week to help us decide what we should do next.”