Bellway is set to transform an office complex in Worthing into a new residential neighbourhood after agreeing a deal to buy the site.

The developer has acquired the former Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) site off Barrington Road, next to Durrington-on-Sea railway station.

The site has outline planning permission for up to 287 new homes, including apartments and houses, alongside a 68-bed care home on the south-east corner, granted in January 2020.

Bellway intends to submit its detailed plans for the land to Worthing Borough Council in the coming months.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a second phase of development on a neighbouring parcel of land which could provide a further 28 homes.

Dan Bradbury, regional director of Bellway South London, said: “The development will provide a mix of apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses to appeal to a wide range of house-hunters from first-time buyers to young couples and growing families. Our plans will deliver much-needed housing for the area. This land is a key acquisition for Bellway South London and we are pleased to be playing a major role in creating a new neighbourhood within this popular town. We are working closely with the local council on our detailed plans for the site and we hope these will be approved to allow us to forge ahead with the scheme.”

As part of the planning agreement for the development, Bellway will be contributing £80,000 to local medical facilities, £50,000 to improving bus stops and £50,000 towards public open space in the area.