Bayside

ECE Planning

ECE Planning were appointed to lead the redevelopment of the former Aquarena site in Worthing, delivering a high-quality residential-led scheme on a prominent and complex seafront site. The proposals sought to transform a long-vacant brownfield site with 141 new homes, including 42 affordable units, alongside 641sqm of flexible commercial space and a seafront café.

The project followed earlier refusal of a previous iteration of the scheme. ECE led a revised strategy that responded directly to local concerns relating to height, massing, heritage impacts and townscape views. Working closely with Allies and Morrison Architects, and following extensive pre-application engagement, ECE co-ordinated a collaborative design review process involving Worthing Borough Council officers, statutory consultees, and the Coastal West Sussex Design Panel.

Throughout, ECE provided strategic planning advice and project management, preparing and submitting a full planning application supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The revised proposals secured strong support at committee, with members recognising the design quality and regeneration potential of the scheme. The project is now seen as a landmark gateway for the town and has been acknowledged for its quality receiving recognition from the RTPI and RIBA.