The closure of Grafton multi-storey car park in Worthing due to structural deficiencies has raised concerns about public safety, local economy, and the future redevelopment of the site into residential and leisure spaces amid procedural oversights.
The Grafton multi-storey car park in Worthing, which closed its doors on May 16, has become the focal point of community concern following the discovery of severe structural deficiencies that threaten public safety. The closure was prompted by the detachment of a high alumina cement (HAC) beam, weighing between 30 and 60 kilograms, raising questions not just about the immediate risk, but also about the future of the facility itself.
During a Worthing Borough Council joint strategic committee meeting on June 2, officials presented a sobering report detailing the car park’s deteriorating condition, exacerbated by its seaside location and advancing age. Councillor Kevin Jenkins, leader of the opposition, expressed alarm over the implications of the closure, particularly with the council’s ambition of redeveloping the site into a more fruitful community space conflicting with immediate accessibility concerns. He underscored that the car park’s closure comes amid rising parking charges and the impending full closure of the Guildbourne Centre car park for two weeks, catalysing fears for local businesses and the town centre’s vibrancy.
Paul Brewer, the director of sustainability and resources, indicated that while all options were being explored to reopen the Grafton car park, real clarity would only emerge after consulting specialists about the full extent of required repairs. This has led to speculation that the car park might remain shuttered for an extended period, as the council seeks a developer to transition the space towards new uses.
Plans are already in motion to transform the site, with Worthing Borough Council recently confirming intentions to market the Grafton car park for redevelopment. The long-term vision involves creating new residential units, leisure facilities, and commercial spaces, a reflection of an ongoing effort to breathe new life into the area and address a pressing need for housing. Currently, discussions also highlight the potential pitfalls of the closure, as local leaders warn that the disruption may detrimentally impact the town centre’s appeal.
The completion of refurbishment work at the nearby Buckingham Road multi-storey car park after a three-year hiatus offers a glimmer of hope amid this unsettling backdrop. This facility underwent significant repairs and enhancements aimed at revitalising its utility for local residents and visitors. While it has reopened, concerns persist over the timing of the Grafton’s closure and its role in fulfilling parking requirements during the ongoing transition.
Further complicating the narrative, critics have pointed out procedural failings that have hindered the council’s project management in recent refurbishments, such as the Buckingham Road facility. Acknowledgments of oversight regarding budgetary processes have prompted calls for more stringent governance to ensure future developments, including the Grafton project, remain on track and within budget.
These discussions, coupled with the urgency of the situation surrounding the Grafton car park, underline a pivotal moment for Worthing. The outcome could set a precedent for how the town navigates the challenges of infrastructure ageing while remaining a viable destination for residents and tourists alike.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25215833.fears-grafton-car-park-worthing-will-not-reopen/?ref=rss – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politics/council/worthing-multi-storey-car-parks-buckingham-road-site-finally-open-again-after-three-year-closure-significant-interest-in-grafton-transformation-4828417 – The Buckingham Road multi-storey car park in Worthing reopened after a three-year closure for structural repairs. The refurbishment, initially expected to be completed by summer 2022, included the installation of CCTV cameras, increased disabled bays, and larger parent-and-child and dementia-friendly spaces. The council also resurfaced and redecorated the car park to make it cleaner and brighter. Maintenance work is ongoing at the Grafton and High Street multi-storey car parks, with some bays temporarily out of use during the repairs.
- https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/news/archive/pr23-158.html – In November 2023, Worthing Borough Council approved plans to market the Grafton multi-storey car park site to developers for redevelopment. The council aims to transform the site into new homes, leisure facilities, and open spaces, contributing to the regeneration of the seafront area. The decision followed the completion of the Buckingham Road car park refurbishment and the planned opening of a new multi-storey car park in the Civil Quarter, ensuring sufficient parking spaces for the town centre.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-67380397 – Worthing Borough Council approved plans to sell the Grafton multi-storey car park site to a developer for redevelopment into 150 homes, leisure facilities, and commercial units. The 1960s car park, described by some residents as an ‘eyesore,’ was underused, with only a quarter of its 440 spaces occupied on average. The redevelopment aims to support the regeneration of the historic seafront area and provide much-needed housing and amenities.
- https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politics/council/procedures-not-followed-council-admits-mistakes-over-worthing-multi-storey-car-park-refurbishment-5040506 – Worthing Borough Council admitted to not following relevant procedures during the refurbishment of the Buckingham Road multi-storey car park. The project, which began in 2021 and was completed in October 2024, experienced delays and budget overruns. The council acknowledged that the decision-making procedures regarding expenditure were not followed, leading to unreported overspends. Steps have been taken to ensure better risk identification and reporting in future projects.
- https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/17384946.new-homes-shops-hotel-planned-worthing-car-park-site/ – Worthing Borough Council plans to redevelop the Grafton car park site into new homes, shops, and potentially a hotel. The council aims to revitalise the town centre by bringing in new residents and businesses. While the car park is undergoing essential maintenance to remain operational in the short term, the long-term plan is to demolish it to make way for the new development. The council is committed to ensuring sufficient parking remains available in the town centre through refurbishments of existing car parks.
- https://www.nufins.com/news-blog/worthy-repairs-for-worthing/ – The Grafton multi-storey car park in Worthing, constructed around 1966, underwent substantial structural repairs due to extensive corrosion. The refurbishment aimed to extend the car park’s use for the next five years. The repair work included breaking out defective concrete, installing new reinforcement, and applying anti-carbonation coatings. The project was challenging as the car park remained open to the public throughout the repair process, requiring efficient programming and installation to minimise disruption.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, dated June 6, 2025, and discusses the closure of the Grafton multi-storey car park in Worthing due to structural deficiencies discovered on May 16, 2025. The closure and the council’s plans for redevelopment have been reported in various sources, including The Argus and Sussex Express, with the earliest known publication date being October 17, 2024. This indicates that the core information has been in the public domain for several months. The report includes updated data on the closure date and the council’s current plans, which may justify a higher freshness score. However, the recycling of earlier material warrants a flag for potential freshness concerns. Additionally, the narrative references a press release from the Adur & Worthing Councils, which typically warrants a high freshness score. ([adur-worthing.gov.uk](https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/grafton-car-park-worthing/?utm_source=openai)) The report also mentions a meeting on June 2, 2025, which is recent and adds to the narrative’s timeliness.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from Councillor Kevin Jenkins and Paul Brewer. A search reveals that similar quotes from Councillor Jenkins have appeared in earlier reports, such as those from October 17, 2024, indicating potential reuse of content. However, the specific wording of the quotes in the current narrative may differ, suggesting some originality. The absence of earlier matches for Paul Brewer’s quotes indicates potential originality or exclusivity. Overall, the presence of reused quotes warrants a flag for potential recycled content.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Argus, a reputable local news outlet in the UK. The Adur & Worthing Councils’ press release is also a primary source, providing official information. The Sussex Express, another local news outlet, is cited for additional context. The use of these sources strengthens the reliability of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents plausible claims regarding the closure of the Grafton car park due to structural issues and the council’s plans for redevelopment. These claims are consistent with information from other reputable sources, such as the BBC, which reported on the council’s plans to sell the site for redevelopment into homes and commercial units. ([bbc.co.uk](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-67380397?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of specific details, such as the weight of the detached beam and the council’s ambitions for the site, adds credibility. The tone and language used are consistent with typical reporting on local government matters.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is recent and includes updated information, but it recycles earlier content and quotes, which raises concerns about freshness and originality. The sources used are reliable, and the claims made are plausible and consistent with other reports. However, the recycling of content and quotes suggests that the narrative may not be entirely original. Further verification of the originality of the content is recommended.
