Worthing Heat Network project begins next phase of works

Ground investigations began on January 19, 2026, as part of the Worthing Heat Network project, which will connect new sections of the town to an environmentally friendly heating system.

Works will be taking place in Steyne Gardens and High Street, involving drilling temporary holes to complete ground investigations.

The holes are part of the next phase of works which will involve connecting the existing network to Splashpoint Leisure Centre and the Pavilion Theatre. 

Investigations on the promenade and near the Splash Pad will follow later in the month.

The works are only anticipated to take a matter of days and traffic flow will be maintained throughout.

The Worthing Heat Network is designed to deliver more efficient, lower-carbon heating by distributing hot water through underground insulated pipes.

By moving away from individual gas heating systems, the network aims to cut carbon emissions and lower energy costs for users.

The first phase of the project is expected to reduce emissions by around 3,000 tonnes of carbon annually—roughly equivalent to removing 2,000 cars from the road.

A central hub is located in front of the High Street Multi-Storey Car Park, and works by extracting heat from the outside air and using it to heat water, which is then circulated to buildings through a network of insulated pipes.

Other buildings that are part of the network are the Connaught Theatre and Worthing Hospital.

Work on the project began in summer 2024. 

Traders in the town previously expressed fears that the second phase of works could completely kill off businesses, after multiple shop owners reported decreased footfall following phase one.