A new café has officially opened as part of a park's £3 million regeneration.
David and Alyssa Hilton welcomed customers to Brooklands Park Café in Worthing on Tuesday.
The Worthing-based pair won a bid to lease the café building from the council and run it last June, saying they wanted to create a space for the community, and contribute to the park's regeneration.
Among the first visitors were Worthing Borough Council’s Councillor Dr Beccy Cooper, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, and Councillor Vicki Wells, Worthing’s cabinet member for the environment.
“It was amazing to see how many people came to support the cafe and try some of its warming drinks and delicious treats,” said a council spokesman.
“We hope it’s a sign of great things to come for its friendly tenants, David and Alyssa.
“We wish the Brooklands Cafe team the best of luck in their new home.”
It is one part of the major scheme to transform the park in Western Road.
Earlier this year the park’s new play area was unveiled with over 30 pieces of equipment, including a large sandpit, swings and two climbing structures over four metres high.
The project will also see the creation of an outdoor space for events such as football and frisbee complete with seating, a “contemplative” garden with sensory plants, a new accessible pathway circumnavigating the lake with seating areas and shelters, a 1.55 mile (2.5km) fitness trail, a community garden and space to hold community and environmental activities.
Three years ago, Worthing Borough Council embarked on an “extensive” restoration of the lake and stream.
Silt was removed, free-flowing water channels were created and windmill oxygenators were installed to improve water quality for fish, plants and other wildlife.
The council hopes the area will become an “outdoor interactive classroom” and science learning resource supporting the wider STEM (sicence, technology, engineering and maths) curriculum for schools in the borough.
It also hopes the new facilities at the park will improve residents’ wellbeing and that physical activity and exercise will be encouraged with the new adventure play area, walking trails and fitness route.
The project is one of almost 100 that have been undertaken by Worthing Borough Council to improve the area's facilities.
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