A vacant takeaway is set to become a new creative space and arts education workshop.
The Adur and Worthing Trust has secured planning permission to transform the empty unit on High Street, Worthing, into an arts education workshop and creative space in partnership with Worthing Borough Council.
The building sits next to Colonnade House and will support a growing need for youth-focused arts facilities.
Dom Ford, Worthing Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: "Colonnade House is extremely important to the local creative community here in Worthing.
"This workshop will be the only dedicated facility of its kind in the local area and will not only ensure the long-term viability of cultural services in Worthing, but meet a vital social and educational need for more youth arts education."
Worthing Borough Council owns both properties and has supported the project using funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to cover essential repairs and upgrades.
The new space is intended to open in summer 2026.
The workshop will offer a varied and inclusive programme, with a focus on activities for young people.
Plans include after-school sessions, half-term and holiday workshops, and artist-led education delivered by professionals from the area.
Colonnade House has experienced waiting lists of up to a year for its public-facing spaces.
The new venue will help address this demand while offering room for artists and community groups to run workshops and creative projects.
Karen Simporis, chair of the Adur and Worthing Trust, said: "The Adur and Worthing Trust is thrilled and relieved to have the proposed change of use for our new workshop / meeting space agreed.
"Plans are afoot and there’s been a lot of interest, but there’s room for more. So send us your ideas, proposals, suggestions, and tell us what you want to do or put on. After all – it’s your space."
The council is also continuing improvements at Colonnade House itself, backed by a grant of more than £460,000 from Arts Council England and £40,000 of council funding.
These works include roof repairs, a new accessible entrance, and enhancements to create additional collaborative space.
