Worthing Pier’s Southern Pavilion closed 20th October 2019 at the start of a new era for the building. The Art Deco building will reopen in the spring following refurbishment, according to the owners of The Perch on Lancing Beach who are planning a new bar and cafe for the venue.
There are plans for a bigger kitchen, an improved bar and reconfigured staircases to allow people to enjoy the view from the first floor. But the external structure of the building will not change.
Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “It’s the start of a new chapter for the Southern Pavilion and for the Pier of the Year 2019. It will further enhance our seafront offering and we are very much looking forward to the owners of Perch bringing their skills and uniqueness to the building.”
The Southern Pavilion opened in 1862 at the south end of the pier and is currently home to a bistro and function space. It underwent extensive renovation in 2013 and had previously been used as a nightclub, café and dance hall. It is also used for live music and special events.
Alex Hole, managing director of The Perch, said: “The venue has been the background for many extraordinary moments and we want the building and our offering to be the background to the next round of moments and memories, as well bring a very much improved service, a larger team, more jobs and a fresh venue that the people of Worthing will be proud of.”
