Former Worthing retail unit could become new bar

Plans have been submitted to transform an empty retail unit on Littlehampton Road, Worthing, into a new bar.

The application, lodged with Adur and Worthing Councils, concerns the ground floor of 5 Becket Buildings, a property formerly used by Premier Building Consultants. The proposed venue would be run by local owners and initially employ one full-time staff member.

According to the application, the bar would focus solely on serving drinks—both hot and cold—with no kitchen facilities or food service. The venue would include a small rear yard for refuse storage and aims to operate from 9am to 11.30pm, seven days a week. The submission claims the change of use would contribute positively to the area’s vitality without increasing traffic or parking pressure.

The site is currently listed for rent at £11,000 a year by agents Justice & Co, who describe it as a prominent corner premises suitable for non-food commercial use. This application follows a separate approval in Tarring, where The Old Bakehouse café will soon become a wine bar, marking a trend of new bar openings across Worthing.