The Worthing Health Centre's construction has encountered significant delays and cost overruns, raising concerns about the project's feasibility and the council's ability to manage public funds effectively. When the project began in March 2022, the budget was just under £34 million, and completion was expected by the end of 2023. However, a recent report reveals that the cost has skyrocketed to over £46 million by July 2025, with a proposed budget increase of more than £2.4 million, bringing the total to nearly £48.95 million. This dramatic escalation in costs is attributed to a combination of factors, including soaring energy prices, manpower shortages, and construction issues. The council's response is twofold: they are exploring legal avenues to recover costs and are seeking additional legal and consultancy support to complete the project. Galliford Try, the construction company involved, remains committed to bringing the project back under control as soon as possible. However, the situation underscores the challenges of managing large-scale infrastructure projects and the potential consequences of cost overruns, which can strain public finances and public trust in local government.
