Free Parking Introduced in Worthing to Support Town Centre Businesses During Heat Network Works

Free parking will be available on select Sundays in Worthing town centre from April to July 2025, as part of efforts to support businesses impacted by roadworks linked to the town’s new low-carbon heat network.

The initiative, sponsored by energy company Hemiko in partnership with Worthing Borough Council, will allow free all-day parking at the High Street multi-storey car park on the first and last Sunday of each month. This follows concerns raised by local traders over reduced footfall and increased financial pressure caused by ongoing infrastructure works and recent changes to parking charges.

The heat network, under construction since January, involves the partial closure of High Street as Hemiko installs underground pipework for a sustainable heating system. To reduce disruption during key trading periods, the company has rescheduled some planned works and aligned the free parking dates with community events, such as VE Day celebrations and market days. Local business groups and councillors have welcomed the initiative as a means of boosting town centre activity while the project nears completion.