In a move aimed at revitalising Worthing town centre, Homes England has committed £5.1 million to acquire the Teville Gate site from Worthing Borough Council. This investment paves the way for the creation of around 250 new homes on the brownfield site, marking a significant step forward in the town’s regeneration efforts.

Purchased by the council in 2021 for £7 million, Teville Gate has now become the first site in the Southeast to benefit from Homes England’s Brownfield Infrastructure and Land (BIL) Fund. The national housing agency’s acquisition strategy includes leasing the site back to the council temporarily. This arrangement will allow the council to conduct necessary preparatory works on the site, ensuring it can be utilised for beneficial purposes during the planning phase of the development project.

Alison Crofton, Chief Property Officer at Homes England, highlighted the collaborative effort with Worthing Borough Council over the past year, resulting in a shared vision for Teville Gate. She described the site as a crucial area for the town’s regeneration, possessing the potential to significantly transform Worthing.

Council Leader Beccy Cooper expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Homes England for the project, envisioning Teville Gate’s transformation into a vibrant community hub. The development aims to include genuinely affordable homes, meeting the pressing needs of local residents. Cooper’s vision for Worthing includes sustainable, high-quality housing that remains accessible to all citizens, with Homes England being viewed as the perfect partner to bring this vision to fruition.

With plans moving forward, Cooper also shared her excitement about the near-term benefits for the community, as the previously unused land begins to serve new purposes while further development plans are being finalised.