‘Wow factor’ Pavilion opens with ‘best view on coast’

Phil Duckett and business partner Richard Bradley hosted the building’s grand opening on Wednesday, giving guests the first look at the newly redeveloped building. The former nightclub has been refurbished into an art deco-themed multi-use venue, complete with café, which opened its doors to the public on Friday. Mr Duckett said: “This is the best view on the south coast - it’s like walking on water. It’s like being on a cruise liner. “I wanted to create the wow factor and put smiles on faces, and that was the initial vision. The people of Worthing will decide if it is a benefit to the town.” The business duo took over the running of the building late last year, transforming it from the dingy nightclub into a sparkling venue in under six months. A total of ten weddings this year and 15 in 2015 have already been booked – many of which were secured on the basis of artist’s impressions, while the building was revamped. The opening received a strong reception from business figures and guests at the opening, with the ribbon cut by Worthing mayor Bob Smytherman. He said: “It is brilliant to see the Southern Pavilion looking fantastic, bringing back some great memories from the 80s, when I came here with my Kevin Keegan perm, my flower power shirt and my cream flares. I wish the team all the very best and really hope they make this a huge success as Worthing is really on the up and it’s going to be a primary venue for the town.” The venue had been disused for three years prior to the revamp and Mr Duckett and his team employed a multitude of local businesses to help with the refit. For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, out Thursday, April 27.