Artists, makers, designers and the local business community have announced plans for the creative sector to lead the regeneration of Worthing.

Inspired by the success of projects in seaside towns like Margate and Folkestone, RAG aim to establish a �Creative Quarter� in the town. �The Creative Quarter is about more than just regenerating a corner of Worthing,� says RAG's Dan Thompson, �it�s about providing an attractive gateway to the town and a major visitor attraction for the whole region. It�s our big vision and we look forward to it becoming a reality.�

Possible locations for The Creative Quarter include an area to the south of Worthing Railway Station, or an area south of the Warwick Street pedestrian precinct.

Long-term plans include attracting funding to establish studios and workshops for artists and makers, more gallery space, funky shops and cafes and a regular art market. Ultimately, it is hoped that the Creative Quarter would include a theatre, arts and live music venue.

In the meantime, the group are asking the town to get behind the exciting plans. And are teaming up with creative businesses in the town including Rainbow Theatre, Inspiration by Design, Saville Jones Architects and Newnum Art to start making the vision a reality. The plans also have the support of Worthing Arts Council and Worthing First Creative - and have been identified by the South East England Development Agency as a key to the regeneration of Worthing.

"As a local business person I was delighted to hear of RAG�s plan to improve and revive an area of Worthing.   

I used to work for a very inspirational entrepreneur, Bennie Gray of The Space Organisation. He buys up big warehouses and turns them into creative arts centres like Canalot Production Studios (London), The Custard Factory and The Big Peg (Birmingham), and Alfies & Grays Antiques (London).  He is credited (along with Richard Branson�s Virgin Records) with the regeneration of the North Kensington area which was previously a no-go battleground!  It�s now a vibrant and fashionable music and arts orientated area with rapidly rising property prices and it�s much safer to walk the streets at all times of the day and night.

I used to run The Music Room for Bennie and I also oversaw the refurbishment of the Victory Caf� at Grays Antiques Market in South Molton St, London. I would be delighted to see a similar project in Worthing.�

Nicola Cairncross, Entrepreneur

More:

• The Creative Quarter Gallery

Supporting The Creative Quarter:

• About Artists & Makers
• Newnum Art
• Inspiration By Design
• Saville Jones Architects
• Worthing Arts Council
• Rainbow Theatre

Last Updated Thursday, February 02 2006 @ 09:45 AM GMT