Shoreham Port Completes Acquisition of Southwick Beach

Today confirms the completion of our acquisition of Southwick Beach and adjoining land from Adur District Council, marking a significant milestone in the Port's long-term commitment to the Sussex coastline and the communities who depend on it. The 1.3-mile stretch of beach, together with its sea defences, promenade, car park, beach chalets and Carats Café, is now under Port ownership, with a legal covenant in place guaranteeing permanent public access. As the transfer formally completes today, Shoreham Port brings together enhanced sea defences, new beach huts, continued public access, and a growing offer for visitors along the Sussex coast.

As a Trust Port with an established record in coastal management, Shoreham Port is well placed to take on responsibility for this stretch of shoreline. The acquisition extends the Port's existing coastal protection work along Basin Road South, creating a unified approach to sea defence planning across a greater length of the West Sussex coast. Investment in sea defences and long-term resilience planning will be central to the Port's stewardship of the beach.

For local residents and visitors, the transfer signals the start of an exciting new chapter. We have already expanded our beach hut offer, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a regular connection with this much-loved stretch of coastline. The Port is proud to honour its commitment to keep the beach open to all, in perpetuity.

“Thank you to everyone across the community who has engaged with us during this transaction,” says our Chief Executive, Tom Willis. “All the suggestions and input have ultimately improved the outcome, and we are delighted to have been trusted with this important local area. We are now going to continue to work with everyone to look after it for future generations!”

The community will have an early opportunity to hear more at our Annual Public Meeting on 9 June, 5:30pm to 7pm at Nautilus House, Southwick, where the leadership team will present on the Port’s performance, Masterplan and sustainability priorities. The acquisition also sets the stage for our sixth annual Sustainability Week from 20 June. This year’s theme ‘People, Port, Planet: Working Together for a Greener Future,’ will include a full schedule of free workshops highlighting the Port's environmental commitments and its growing role as custodian of one of the UK's most valued stretches of coastline.

Reserve your space for our Annual Public Meeting here. 

Categories: Community, Announcements