Green wall approved for former Woolworths site in Worthing

A planned public art installation on the side of a new housing development in Worthing town centre will instead become a green wall, following a decision by Worthing Borough Council.

Councillors unanimously approved changes to the legal agreement for the development at 31-35 Montague Street, which will see 14 homes built above the former Woolworths site. The changes mean the developer will no longer be required to install public art, and the council will instead create a green wall and signage along the Montague Place-facing brick wall.

Council officers explained that a green wall would better complement the wider Montague Gardens public space scheme. The developer has also agreed to pay over £200,000 to the council in lieu of providing affordable housing, to be paid in five stages, along with a £14,000 contribution towards public open space.