A BANK is set to move into an empty three-storey office block in Worthing town centre.

HSBC will move into Cannon House in Chatsworth Road after a lease was agreed by Worthing Borough Council.

The bank will use the premises for an administration centre as it moves from its Farncombe Road premises in the town.

The council bought the building, the former office of the Worthing Herald newspaper, as it moved to accelerate proposals to develop the adjacent Union Place site.

The Union Place development was granted outline planning permission for a mixed-use scheme incorporating 169 homes, flexible commercial space, a 90-bed hotel and an expanded cinema in 2020.

The brownfield site was purchased by the council in 2019.

The council fully refurbished Cannon House as it was “keen” to attract employees and jobs to the area.

A council spokesman said the lease agreement is part of ongoing programmes to bring new homes, businesses and retail into the town centre.

Cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Martin McCabe said the move would support the local economy.

"I’m delighted we have been able to provide an excellent workspace for HSBC and keep them and their staff in the town,” he said.

“It’s a great example of partnership working to support the local economy."

Melanie Bayliss, HSBC’s workspace manager, said the bank was pleased to maintain its place in Worthing.

“We’re pleased to be moving to a new home in the town centre and to maintain our long-time link with Worthing,” she said.

“Our new office space provides an excellent modern workplace for our colleagues and gives us the flexibility and space we need to continue to serve our customers.”