Plans to turn college into police station scrapped

The plans were for a change of use for the Northbrook College site in Broadwater Road

Plans to turn a Worthing college campus into a police station have been scrapped by Sussex Police.

The proposals were for a change of use for the Northbrook College site in Broadwater Road into a site which would replace the current Sussex Police offices at Centenary House, Durrington.

The scheme was to be determined by Worthing Borough Council's planning committee at its meeting on 22 January, but was withdrawn by the force on the same day.

A spokesperson for the office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that following due diligence works for the scheme, the force would explore "other options" after withdrawing its application.

The spokesperson said: "The force has a refreshed estates strategy and a transformation programme underway, and the Worthing site looked like it could provide a solution to accommodate police officers and staff.

"Having completed an in-depth look, a decision was made not to proceed with the acquisition and the change of use planning application was withdrawn."

'Insufficient space'

According to plans submitted in August last year, Sussex Police were looking to establish a new "district hub" in Broadwater Road.

The force was looking to move its Neighbourhood Policing and Response teams, made up of PCSOs and police officers, and 999 and 101 call responders respectively, saying the site could support up to 600 to 700 staff and would be open 24/7.

But updated plans from November said the neighbourhood services would not be included in the new station, after some backlash from residents over sirens and flashing lights in a residential area.

Original plans said the force had considered expanding the Centenary House offices by either building or converting existing buildings there, but it said this would be cost prohibitive and leave "insufficient" space for its needs.