Construction has begun on a heat network that will be a seaside town’s first major step towards becoming net zero in the fight against climate change.

The heat network is the driving force for Worthing Borough Council’s carbon-neutral plan. The first phase on the plan alone is expected to save 3,000 tonnes of carbon a year, the equivalent to taking 2,000 cars off the road.

Hemiko, the company chosen to operate and manage the construction, said it will take about 15 months to construct the first phase of the heat network.

The first buildings to connect will be Worthing Town Hall, Worthing Hospital, Assembly Hall, Portland House, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, and Connaught Theatre.

Heat networks are an alternative to gas boilers - they provide low-carbon heating and hot water by collecting local unused heat.

Chris Horner, Project Manager for the Worthing Heat Network said, “You might have seen us around town already – we’ve been digging trial holes to double-check what is under the ground. Next week we will begin construction inside the grounds of the Worthing Hospital.”

Hemiko is hosting an engagement event on August 1 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Worthing Town Hall.