Worthing health centre delays prompt council bid for compensation

Worthing Borough Council has begun a process to claim compensation over delays and increased costs linked to the opening of the new Worthing Integrated Care Centre, which remains closed due to unresolved water system faults.

The authority said it is working with specialist legal advisers to recover losses through a liquidated damages claim against West Sussex Worthing Limited and its contractors, following issues including the presence of legionella bacteria and a faulty water system. Construction firm Galliford Try, responsible for the building’s design and compliance, has taken back control of the water system to address the problems. The council said it will not accept the system until it is proven to be fully safe and functional.

Planning for the £45 million centre began in 2017 and costs are now expected to exceed the original forecast, with borrowing required to fund the project over 60 years. Once operational, the WICC will provide a range of NHS services on a single site. The council said it will continue to update residents as work progresses.