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Coastal rejuvenation to begin with new beachfront hotel and residential development
The fine seaside town of Worthing is soon to see its first purpose-built hotel in more than a century. Devereux Architects have recently submitted their nautically inclined designs for a luxury beachfront hotel and residential complex in hopes of spurring on the much needed rejuvenation of this once bright and modern coastal town. Plans for the £20m redevelopment are composed of three elements – a central glass tower, a luxury hotel to the west and a block of apartments to the east. Inspired by the seaside setting, Devereux’s designs include several nautical elements, such as a wave-shaped roof and vertical glass bay, which is thought will look prominent at night when the building is illuminated.
Alongside 76 deluxe guest rooms and suites, the hotel will also offer numerous health facilities, including a state-of-the-art spa, swimming pool, sauna and gym. There are also plans for a unique glazed ‘winter garden’ linking some of the internal public function spaces with a series of guest rooms, which can be reconfigured into serviced apartments for long term use. As the development is comprised of multiple elements, Devereux have ensured that the aesthetics of the building reflect the separate functions, yet intend to use a cohesive palette of materials to unify the building as a whole. The simple detailing of the west side has been designed to provide a foil to the elaborate period detailing of the adjacent hotel. To the east side the architecture takes on a more prominent look with a striking metal and glass design.
Matthew Heath from Devereux Architects commented: “The proposals have been designed to compliment this unique beach-front setting, deferring visually to the adjacent listed building with a well-mannered proposal that is proudly modern whilst being responsive and sympathetic to its surroundings. The high quality of materials employed will sit comfortably with the local vernacular, strengthening the sense of ‘place’ and providing a new focal point for the Worthing sea front and the wider Conservation Area.”
Sian Disson
Editorial Assistant
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