Roffey Homes will begin preparation works for the Union Gardens development this month, following the purchase of the site from Worthing Borough Council.

The first part of the sale of the Union Place site was completed at the end of January, marking a significant step towards the delivery of 216 sustainable new residences in Worthing town centre. The NCP car park will close in early March, and the land will transfer over to Roffey to complete the land purchase deal.

The site’s journey to development has been complex. Originally planned as a partnership between Roffey Homes and the Council, the local authority voted in January 2025 to sell its share outright to the Worthing-based developer – a decision aimed at accelerating the delivery of much-needed housing as identified in the Worthing Local Plan.

The site, which has sat vacant for 16 years since the former police station was demolished in 2009, spans just over a hectare between High Street and the Connaught Cinema. Planning permission has been in place since March 2024, enabling construction to begin within weeks of the sale completing.

Ben Cheal, Managing Director of Roffey Homes, said: “Union Gardens will deliver sustainable new homes in the centre of Worthing that are centred around three gardens built over public and private parking. The development has been carefully designed to appeal to a broad market, delivering one, two and three-bedroom homes at a range of prices. During the construction period, we will work with the community to minimise impact and will look to immerse ourselves in local initiatives.”

Roffey Homes have designed the development to deliver exceptional quality of life for residents while creating an attractive new neighbourhood in a thriving area of Worthing. Each apartment will include private outdoor space and exclusive access to a residents’ lounge. The development’s standout feature will be three elegantly landscaped podium gardens at first-floor level, giving the project its name.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the scheme, with enhanced insulation, biodiverse roofs, and a proposed connection to the pioneering Worthing Heat Network.

Plans also include a 236-space car park, with 146 spaces available for public use. This new car park is scheduled to open in summer 2028, addressing town centre parking needs ahead of completion of the residences. The scheme also includes some live/work units and 5000 sq. ft. of prime commercial space fronting the High Street.

With the apartments expected to be ready for sale from 2028 onwards, Union Gardens is set to transform a long-neglected brownfield site into a vibrant, sustainable community in the heart of Worthing.