A local music venue owner in Worthing has voiced serious concerns over ongoing construction works in the town centre, claiming they are severely impacting his business operations. Howard Kirk, the owner of The Venue, a live music hall and television production facility, reports that the disruption has led to a significant decline in both music shows and filming activities this year.
Key takeaways
- Howard Kirk, owner of The Venue, claims construction works are harming his business.
- The ongoing works are part of a project to implement a sustainable heat network in Worthing.
- Kirk reports a 60% drop in music shows and a complete halt in filming due to access issues and noise.
- Other local businesses are also experiencing reduced foot traffic and sales.
- Worthing Borough Council acknowledges the disruption and is seeking to address concerns with affected businesses.
Impact on The Venue
Howard Kirk has expressed frustration over the construction activities taking place outside his venue on Chapel Road. The works, carried out by Hemiko, aim to establish a sustainable heat network in the town but have resulted in significant operational challenges for Kirk.
Kirk stated, "It has almost destroyed the business. Any artists in tour buses or that have trucks are totally out of the question. We were down 60% on our music shows thanks to the works and the actions of Worthing Borough Council, and we are 100% down on our filming."
The construction has not only affected the venue’s ability to host events but has also led to parking challenges for customers. Previously accessible parking spaces have been reduced, further complicating the situation for potential visitors.
Broader effects on local businesses
Kirk is not alone in his struggles; several other businesses in Worthing town centre have reported similar declines in trade and footfall. The ongoing construction has created an environment where customers are deterred from visiting the area, leading to a ripple effect on local commerce.
Kirk highlighted the parking situation, stating, "The car park situation is crazy, and again has an impact on us. The car park spaces available with the works are next to nothing and to be shared with the Assembly Halls."
Response from Worthing Borough Council
In response to the concerns raised by Kirk and other local business owners, Worthing Borough Council has acknowledged the disruption caused by the construction works. A spokesperson stated, "We’re saddened to see how a number of businesses and residents have reacted to the construction of the Worthing Heat Network."
The council has indicated that Hemiko is looking to engage with Kirk to address the issues and has arranged for works to be paused over the summer holidays to alleviate some of the immediate pressures on local businesses.
The spokesperson added, "We understand how challenging this has been for businesses, visitors, and people living in our town centre, and can only thank everyone for their patience during this period."
Future outlook
The first phase of the Worthing heat network is expected to be completed by 2026, with the project anticipated to bring sustainable heating to buildings and homes in the borough. The council believes that the network will significantly reduce carbon emissions and create hundreds of jobs in the long term.
While the potential benefits of the project are acknowledged, the immediate impact on local businesses like The Venue raises concerns about the balance between development and the livelihoods of those affected. As the construction continues, the hope is that communication between the council, developers, and business owners will lead to solutions that mitigate disruption and support the local economy.
