Tourist information gets investment boost in Worthing

26th July 2011

The Council has signed a lease to take one of the vacant shop units in The Dome cinema complex on Worthing Seafront to provide a new all year round Tourist Information Centre (TIC). A significant investment from the Council, one of the only growth items agreed for this financial year, will ensure the fitting out of the new centre later in the year. In the meantime from Friday 22nd July a ‘pop up’ TIC – a first for the UK – will be open at The Dome on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Hols 11am to 4pm). And as usual at Chapel Road from Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 5pm (10.30am on Tuesdays). The Dome shop unit, formerly an art gallery, will then be fitted out from 25 September to provide the new permanent home for the TIC.

Bryan Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, says:   “Worthing council is determined to increase and improve its support to the local tourist service industry, and to continue to promote all that the town and the region have to offer visitors. That's why we are investing in a new office in a central seafront location. I am looking forward to developing this service into the best in the area.”

Eileen Suchodolski, Worthing’s tourist information centre manager, comments:   “There’s a lot to do this summer so why not come in and see what’s on for yourself. Tell us what you think about our new location and what you would like to see on offer in your tourism centre in future. We have some ideas that we want to share with you too such as showcasing local produce and selected goods but want to hear what you would like to see too. I would also like to thank Dan Thompson for all his hard work transforming the vacant unit for us to use whilst we await the refit after the busy summer season”

Dan Thompson from the empty shops network says:  “This is the first tourist pop-up in the country and as pop-up is ‘the thing’ this summer it is really great for Worthing.”

There is also a wealth of information - things to do, where to stay, what’s on etc. - on the revamped www.visitworthing.co.uk . The Worthing events booklet and the new Worthing pocket guide can also be found at various locations across town.