A £221,418 contract has been awarded by the council to push forward work on making a theatre more environmentally sustainable.

Pilbeam Construction Services Limited will carry out upgrades at Worthing Pavilion Theatre, including the replacement and enhancement of windows at the venue. Applications for planning permission and listed building consent remain under consideration, with a decision due by October 12.

The Grade II protected structure sits at the entrance to Worthing Pier and falls within the South Street Conservation Area.

The proposals aim to enhance the thermal performance of windows and doors, including swapping 18 faulty single-glazed units for double-glazing, fitting a secondary glazing system to 27 current windows, modernising ten through-glass ventilation components and installing additional double-glazing to eight large panels in the atrium.

According to documentation submitted with the application, decisions have been made thoughtfully to ensure that while energy efficiency is enhanced, the historic character of the building remains intact.

It also notes that certain existing windows have corroded or become jammed closed, blocking airflow, while others are secured in an open position which allows cold air to enter the building. The scheme indicates that the proposed replacements would resolve these problems.

Furthermore, any replacement windows will feature the same opening mechanism and architectural details as the originals, and the secondary glazing will be an internally fitted slim-profile design so as not to alter the existing appearance.

The decision documentation clarifies that work on the Pavilion Theatre cannot be postponed because of the council’s requirement to contribute matching funds towards grant money already secured from central government.