Free Wharf: At the Heart of Shoreham’s Riverside Regeneration
Shoreham’s Free Wharf is bringing prime retail and office space to the River Adur. Here’s why businesses should take notice.
A Rare Commercial Opportunity on the River Adur. Shoreham-by-Sea has been quietly transforming over the past few years. What was once seen as a commuter stop between Brighton and Worthing is now firmly on the radar as one of Sussex’s most exciting regeneration stories.
And at the heart of it sits Free Wharf.
Positioned on Brighton Road, directly fronting the A259 and the River Adur, Phase One of this landmark riverside scheme is now offering new commercial space to let, with units ready for occupation in late 2024.
For businesses looking to secure a presence in an area on the rise, this is one to watch!
A Changing Shoreham
Shoreham offers something that few South Coast towns manage to balance so well. You have the beach and harbour to one side, the South Downs National Park just inland, strong rail links into Brighton and London Victoria, and immediate access to the A27 and wider road network.
It is also expanding at pace.
Free Wharf forms part of a long-term regeneration plan along the river frontage. Phase One includes 137 affordable homes, with Phases Two and Three expected to deliver around 550 additional homes alongside restaurants and a central plaza. In simple terms, this means footfall. It means a growing residential population. And it means long-term commercial viability.
What’s Available?
Two main commercial opportunities are being delivered within Phase One:
Block H – Retail / Class E Space
2,000 to 5,092 sq ft
This prominent ground floor retail unit benefits from excellent visibility onto the A259 Brighton Road. The space will be handed over in shell condition, ready for a tenant’s fit out, and can be taken as one large unit or split into two.
One standout feature is the impressive 4.5 metre internal height, offering real flexibility for retail, leisure, showroom or studio uses.
Block G – Office / Class E Space
4,000 to 9,530 sq ft
The office accommodation extends to just over 9,500 sq ft and sits on the ground floor of Block G. It has the potential to be divided into two suites, depending on occupier requirements.
With new homes above and alongside, plus improved public realm including a promenade and cycleway along the river, the setting offers a genuinely attractive working environment.
Some on-site parking will be available, with further details to be confirmed.
Why It Matters?
Regeneration schemes like this do not come along often in Shoreham.
The combination of:
• Roadside prominence
• Riverside setting
• New residential catchment
• Class E flexibility
• Expected EPC rating of A
creates an opportunity suited to a range of occupiers. Think independent retailers, fitness studios, medical or wellness operators, creative workspaces, café concepts or professional services firms looking to upgrade their presence.
With expressions of interest invited on a pre-let basis, early conversations will allow occupiers to influence layout and configuration.
Completion of the wider scheme is anticipated in 2027/28. By that point, Free Wharf will form part of a substantial new waterfront community with landscaped open space, floating pontoons, and restaurant facilities fronting the river.
For forward-thinking businesses, securing space now means positioning yourself ahead of that curve.
Interested?
The units are available on a standard commercial lease, with rent available on application. VAT will apply at the standard rate and service charge details will be confirmed in due course.
If you would like further information or would like to discuss whether Free Wharf could work for your business, please get in touch with our commercial team.
