What Lies Ahead for Worthing Town Centre?

To echo Mark Twain, the reports of the High Street’s demise have been circulating for some time now. But are the recent closures in our Town Centre indicative of poor financial management (as seen with BHS), or do they signal something more ominous for the future?

It’s worth remembering that shops have always come and gone. As the economy shifts and consumer preferences evolve, so too does the landscape of our retail spaces. Previous generations may have mourned the loss of fishmongers, butchers, haberdashers, and tobacconists, which are now rare sights. If things didn’t change, we’d still be patronising stores like Timothy White’s, Brown Bear, Woolworths, Our Price Records, and Saxone – all names from yesteryears that have faded away, yet the town still stands.

Social media pundits often bemoan the influx of coffee shops, hairdressers, and discount stores that replace beloved brands. But the reality is, if these establishments were profitable, they wouldn’t be closing. Nowadays, people tend to turn to the internet to compare and purchase higher-value items. Consequently, our town centres will likely become populated with businesses that offer goods and services not readily available online.

While nostalgia for days gone by is understandable, we must ask ourselves: when was the last time we strolled into Worthing Town Centre and bought something worth more than, say, £50 without first conducting research online?

Looking to the future, town centres serve as the heart of any community, shaping visitors’ first impressions and influencing their judgments. While Worthing locals may sometimes overlook its charms, focusing instead on the negatives – a quick glance at any Worthing-related Facebook page confirms this – outsiders likely envy its seaside location, array of Victorian and Art Deco architecture, diverse shopping options, entertainment facilities, and an ever-expanding selection of dining and drinking establishments.

The future of Worthing Town Centre may not solely rest in our hands, but it certainly lies within our collective spending power. So, let’s make a concerted effort to support our local businesses, focus on the positives, and ensure our town centre thrives for years to come.