We are extremely proud to announce that ECE Planning and Adur & Worthing Councils project, The Bayside Development in Worthing, has WON the ‘Planning for Communities (large schemes of 50 or more)’ category of the Royal Town Planning Institute South East Awards for Planning Excellence 2023!
The development has been a two-phase journey. In Phase 1 (2010-2017), the iconic Splashpoint scheme, designed by WilkinsonEyre, brought forth new swimming and health facilities alongside a café and parking. Simultaneously, the old Aquarena site underwent feasibility studies and strategic marketing to offset the cost of building the new leisure centre.
Phase 2 (2013-2022) saw the redevelopment of the Aquarena site by Roffey Homes, resulting in high-quality residential accommodations, commercial spaces, a seafront café, and public realm enhancements. Throughout this phase, extensive consultations were carried out with the public, local authorities, and stakeholders, including Historic England and Design South East, to ensure the project’s success.
Navigating challenges such as building heights and viability, the project team, in collaboration with Allies and Morrison, the Design Review Panel, and the local authority, achieved a balanced and vibrant outcome. The phased redevelopment program, coupled with cross-subsidy from the sale of the existing Aquarena site, enabled the realization of the masterplan’s vision.
The regional awards ceremony took place in the Guildhall Winchester on Friday. Attending on behalf of ECE Planning and delighted to accept the award were (left to right below) Sam Sykes, Rebecca Hoad and Huw James.
