Worthing's £49m care centre still without opening date as water problems continue
Worthing’s long-delayed Integrated Care Centre remains without a confirmed opening date, with its defective water system still in the hands of the building contractor almost two years after the project was declared practically complete.
A new council report reveals that the cost of the project has risen to £48.945 million, while continued delays have pushed its projected financial break-even point from 26 years to 35 years of full operation.
Worthing Borough Council says continued pressure on the companies responsible for the development has now resulted in a “breakthrough”, with separate specialist investigations appearing to agree on problems affecting the building’s water system.
However, the council is still waiting for a detailed remediation plan, testing and assurance framework and a confirmed programme of work.
The latest indicative timetable suggests the water system could be handed back to the council by the end of 2026, but the report stresses that this remains subject to confirmation, the extent of the work required and repairs being completed on schedule.
There is currently no confirmed date for NHS services to begin operating from the building.
Problems since practical completion
Practical completion of the Worthing Integrated Care Centre was certified by the employer’s agent in December 2024.
The council report says immediate concerns subsequently resulted in the identification of Legionella, inconsistent water temperature controls and the need for contractor Galliford Try to replace water pumps and immersion heaters.
Continuing concerns led the council to commission its own independent expert investigation.
The report says concerns escalated by the council to developer West Sussex Worthing Limited, known as WSWL, were “not adequately addressed by the Contractor”.
Galliford Try eventually took responsibility for the water system again in August 2025 so that it could be rectified and recommissioned.
But attempts to fix the system have yet to result in a successful handback.
The report says several deadlines have been missed, including an anticipated handback in early June this year.
That date was abandoned after independent testing carried out by the council on May 28 found traces of Legionella at specific locations within the building.
Later testing carried out by Galliford Try during June produced negative Legionella results, although the council says wider systemic problems with the water system remained.
Independent investigations reach similar findings
There are now signs of progress.
Following the council’s investigation, WSWL commissioned its own specialist consultants to examine the water system.
That work was completed in July and also identified issues which still needed to be clarified.
The council says its initial assessment of WSWL’s findings indicates they are consistent with those of its own specialists.
Galliford Try has since commissioned additional expertise relating to its installation of the water system, although the council says it is still waiting to see the contractor’s final report.
The council said: “We will not accept handover of the water system until contractor Galliford Try can demonstrate that the system is fully safe and functional, and that NHS tenants can occupy the building and treat patients safely.”
WSWL is now liaising with Galliford Try to finalise a revised programme of work.
The council is also awaiting a remediation plan and testing and assurance framework which will determine what work is required and the anticipated timetable for completing it.
Any plans will be independently checked before the council agrees to proceed.
Costs continue to rise
The continuing delay is having a significant financial impact.
In June councillors approved an additional £2,420,310 for the project because of capitalised interest on borrowing and rising legal and specialist consultancy fees.
That took the revised project budget to £48.945 million.
The building is also failing to generate the rental income and service charge payments that had been anticipated, while financing costs continue to increase.
As a result, the point at which the development is expected to break even has moved from 26 years to 35 years of full operation.
And the eventual bill is still uncertain.
Interest on borrowing will continue to be added to the project until the building is ready for its intended use.
The council says the amount of additional interest attributable to the project during 2026/27 is not yet known and will depend on the final project cost and completion date.
The authority is also continuing to consider legal remedies available to recover losses incurred.
No firm opening date
While the latest report suggests the water system could potentially be handed back by the end of the year, that does not amount to a confirmed opening date for the Integrated Care Centre.
The timetable remains dependent on the scope of the remedial work, its successful completion and the council and NHS receiving the necessary assurances that the building is safe to occupy.
The council said it shared the frustration of residents and its NHS partners over the continuing delays, adding: “We will not take the building on until it is safe to treat patients there.”
When fully operational, the Integrated Care Centre is intended to bring a range of NHS services together on one site, including GP services, dentistry, mental health services and a pharmacy.
The latest report will be considered by the Joint Strategic Committee at a public meeting at Worthing Town Hall from 6.30pm on Tuesday September 8.