Teville Gate changes hands

Worthing council could not confirm who had purchased the prime town centre site and the previous owners, Delancy, were unavailable for comment when the Herald went to print.

Mike Bleakley, of Worthing Council, said: "It is a private transaction because the council does not own Teville Gate and there is no reason why we would know who has purchased the site. We are also waiting to be told."

Mr Bleakley said the council was committed to getting the site redeveloped and had agreed to give up the lease to the multi-storey car park to the owners, depending on what was planned.

He conceded the only control the council would have over what was built on Teville Gate would be as a local planning authority. Planning permission would have to be applied for and given before any major development work could begin.

The only two shops still operating in the precinct are Comet and a small chemist. Comet has a short term lease, which could be terminated by the new owners.

"The harsh reality of the situation is, if and when there is a redevelopment, the licence will be terminated but there is always a possibility that the chemist and Comet could be included in the redevelopment of the site," said Mr Bleakley.

Earlier this year, Teville Gate attracted national attention when it was voted the worst shopping centre in the country.

Mr Bleakley said: "We are waiting to find out who has bought the site and enter into discussions with the new owners to move forward to redevelopment."