Hemiko confirms Worthing roadworks will avoid Christmas shopping period

Hemiko has reassured Worthing businesses that roadworks linked to the next stage of the Worthing Heat Network will not begin until after the Christmas shopping period.

Concerns had been raised over the potential impact of construction works on festive trade, following a planning application to extend pipework from the Energy Centre in High Street to the Pavilion Theatre and Splashpoint Leisure Centre. Hemiko confirmed that while the pipe route will run under Steyne Gardens and parts of the seafront, no town centre works will take place before Christmas.

A company spokesperson said that only 16 per cent of the proposed pipe route involves highways, and these sections will be scheduled to avoid both Bonfire Night and the festive season. Businesses along the affected routes will be visited in the coming weeks to discuss the works, with a community engagement event planned later this year to provide further details.

Hemiko stated the current phase of construction is close to completion, with the network soon set to supply low-carbon heat to its first customers. The company has already invested £2.3m into the local supply chain and pledged to continue supporting Worthing through its Community Fund, which provides funding, resources and staff time for local initiatives.