Grafton Multi-Storey Car Park - Brutalist Architecture In The Victorian Seaside Town Of Worthing

#infrastructure #driving #architecture #carparking
Buy Us A Coffee - paypal.me/autoshenanigans
Find us on:
Twitter - @JonShenanigans
Facebook - Auto Shenanigans
Worthing is a beautiful seaside town on the South coast of England. As you walk along the promenade and admire the victorian buildings, typical of an English sea side town, your view is interrupted somewhat by a massive chunk of 1960s brutalist architecture. You can't help but notice it because it stands in contrast to the rest of the town.
It's a car park... and I love a car park, especially one of brutalistic 60s design but sadly, it may not be with us for much longer and is due for demolition.. maybe, at some point soon. We're not sure, but in any case, let's enjoy this design "masterpiece" whilst we still can.

[@adamjolley8552]

I like this video so I’ve pressed the button specifically for that👉🏻

[@samholdsworth420]

The unsubscribe button? ✅

[@adamjolley8552]

@@samholdsworth420 I don’t like your comment so I’ve pressed the button specifically for that👎🏻

[@samholdsworth420]

@@adamjolley8552 the subscribe button? ✅

[@tomwinch9107]

I think that only applies to the Sunday videos, I think we are not meant to press 'that button' on Wednesday videos

[@xr6lad]

Lucky it wasn’t the 👆🏻 as I might start to think you’re my proctologist!

[@puppet-head]

I love these 60s car parks, with more car paint on the walls than on the cars.

[@Dan23_7]

Fantastic 👌🏼😂

[@Michael_Brock]

Need to add the worst peice of wall art has more aesthetic appeal than the whole building.

[@steveb1856]

Recently left some of my paint on one!

[@AndreiTupolev]

I think "Brutalist Architecture in a Seaside Town" would be a brilliant title for a Smiths song that never was

[@leopold7562]

If I was any kind of lyricist, I'd have a go at creating some. But I'm not, so I'll just have to settle for saying that the words "concrete effigy" would likely be in there

[@geordieal]

@@leopold7562I was happy in the haze of a concrete car park But heaven knows I’m brutalist now I was looking for a space then I found a space And worthing knows I’m miserable now

[@tasty_fish]

“Trudging slowly over wet sand..”

[@AndreiTupolev]

​@@seaside_ramblerthat's a helpful comment, why did you consider it worthwhile typing that and then pressing Enter?

[@Mike-tv9rk]

A smiths song ???😂😂 Songs usually rhyme unless you are a lazy pretentious tool with an equally lazy guitarist.

[@warmpondwater1610]

In days gone by we had Equinox and Horizon on BBC2. This is the only bastion of information we have left.

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

Yep, the BBC has moved forward to presenting’Glow up’ and ‘Drag race’ programmes as family entertainment these days 🤦‍♂️

[@koolstup]

Don't forget QED, really miss that

[@warmpondwater1610]

@@koolstup well spotted.🫡

[@PaddyWV]

Equinox was Channel 4. 😉

[@EmyrDerfel]

QI is still a thing, along with shows presented by Prof Hannah Fry, Dr Adam Rutherford, Prof Alice Roberts, the not-dead-yet Attenborough and many more.

[@newda898]

We definitely need a Great British Car Parks series from you Jon

[@koolstup]

Second that

[@martynheritage-owen3804]

You could have fun and apply to get it listed with English Heritage!

[@robinwells8879]

I was thinking the same. It’s a splendid example of the era and not without its appeal. 😂

[@leejack-qt2em]

1. Its not eligable for listing. 2. As a resident of this area , no one likes this building and most of us will be glad to see it gone. Its only redeeming factor is the pretty bowling alley underneath it. 3. There are other car parks built in this style very close by and in much more sensible locations.

[@robinwells8879]

@@leejack-qt2emreally only joking about the listing but it’s got a wonderful Blake’s 7 vibe going on. 😂. Make sure you get some idea of what they will replace it with. Bet you loose the bowling alley 😢. Sometimes it’s better the devil you know.

[@royfontaine5526]

@@leejack-qt2emyour sort are the worst, local residents thinking they’re speaking for everybody. We’ve lost too much of this sort of iconic style in the UK in recent years.

[@leejack-qt2em]

@@royfontaine5526 Im not speaking for everybody , everybody i know hates it. Whether you like that sort of architecture is up to you. But you cant deny it sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the place. Rows of victorian and houses then a run down brutalist car park. Its like building a skyscraper in the middle of a tiny village. It just doesnt belong there. Not to mention it also stinks of piss and is in disrepair. There are also many other examples of this architecture within a mile of this building that are in better condition and in much more fitting places.

[@fucktheworld1207]

"TWAT MOBILE" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@sue.Holmes1960]

Look at you going all Summertime and taking your coat off! 😮🥶

[@AutoShenanigans]

It's getting warm!

[@StevenHuntington]

The old Trinity Square Car Park A.K.A. the Get Carter Car Park in Gateshead was also a fine example of a Brutalist car park.

[@pureblood1980x]

Nothing more brutal than a grieving brother throwing a fat dude off a big car park. 😂

[@siwynjones]

Owen Luder’s finest. I have a lump of it on a shelf in my living room.

[@mrrandomperson3106]

That grand tour of the car park's features with the fair organ music was excellent!

[@criggie]

I think I saw a U turn - did he get lost ?

[@RobSchofield]

I love these little "side roads" adventures. More!

[@whoknows...]

I love the 'second small disagreement' you've done it for ages 😂

[@mecx7322]

Let's hope there will be no third disagreement, it might be not small 😁

[@knewt_uk]

I was drinking some coffee _right_ at that moment, and only just managed to avoid spurting it everywhere! 😂

[@CharityAngelSpectrum]

Never fails to make me laugh 😊

[@antonydennett5938]

Never fails to make me smile

[@ukar69]

If you fail at everything else in life you can always join a council, where common sense and accountability don’t exist.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

But jobs for life and a sodding great pension at the end are just reward for all that civic minded cost control is done... A neighbour who is now an independent auditor told me that the county council of ΦξτχχχβυΣηιρε Accounts department is unbelievably overstaffed. It has been having a word with itself since he started the annual audit five years ago. For every one member of staff at his company, there used to be TWELVE at the council. Nowadays, they've managed through not replacing retirees to get it down to Eight. Eight people doing what One of his does. Gravy train anyone?

[@zogzoogler]

Sometimes brutal is good, like the old Birmingham central library. Just a big concrete building with books and a Maccy Ds that has been replaced by a bit of Government debt and a glass building with no books.

[@antonycharnock2993]

Rotherham central library was like that and it was ace inside with a cafe, arts centre and museum. Replaced by a Tesco in 2014 and moved to the new council offices on the far side of town. Now the council are redeveloping the 70s market next to where it was and moving the library back.

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@antonycharnock2993 You still have a library?

[@kaasmeester5903]

Some of the brutalist architecture actually doesn’t look too “brutal” or displeasing. But what strikes me about most modernist construction is how poorly it ages. Even the well designed buildings look dreadfully shabby after 3 decades.

[@scatterkeir]

@@kaasmeester5903 Yes, I love brutalist architecture but that sort of patchy damp look it can get, like we see here, is horrible.

[@ozbolli]

What was the piss smelling scale there Jon? You missed that vital bit out!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

I am the same age as the car park. Will I be demolished and replaced! 😮

[@profoundlyfaded9333]

I love this car park - it’s mental and can always guarantee a new insurance claims for dents.

[@DWestheim]

Looks great, and just look at how you can drive from one building into the next and up and down and back again! It's a day-sized fun for the whole family! Definitely a keeper!

[@jasonl2095]

I have, and will likely never, travel to any of these locations for their designated tourist attractions, so I really don't understand why I'm so fascinated by videos about the *not* exciting details! Why? Because you make amazing content! Thank you!

[@SkYsLiDeR9000]

Made me homesick. I miss Worthing.

[@highpath4776]

The contrasting vertical bands of white and buff colour blocks shows some thought went into it. It does have a characteristic and doesnt seem too bad, you dont have to have every building in a place looking , or attempting to look the same if the buildings are good enough. Being at the end of the A24 Worthing was handy for me, esp as a great aunty wanted a lift there a couple of times a year to see her friend- she got the train back

[@RUBBER_BULLET]

I think the odd bit of brutalist architecture has camp value; but maybe the Soviets overdid it a bit. Nice to watch a video that isn't cut with endless meme clips.

[@AndrewG1989]

Definitely would like to go to Worthing. But that multi-storey car park in Worthing is such an iconic concert masterpiece.

[@TheGregcellent]

Bloomin heck, I literally live opposite Steyne Gardens just around the corner! It feels weird watching my town on KZbin for sure

[@trentr9762]

you really have put yourself on par with evening BBC television back when it was actually good, keep up the great work!

[@catcouk]

You came to Worthing - and I'd say you have done a fine job of telling the world about one of our most... Er... 'cherished' pieces of public architecture. A bit sad you didn't mention that this car park has it's own bowling alley...

[@Eledore]

Wait whut? i hope it isn't in one of those side structures as if it where up to me, i would get rid of those two and just keep the brutalist structure with that lovely front terrace.

[@GS-lu2zu]

Yes because we all missed the big bright pink Hollywood Bowl signs that clearly indicated there was a bowling alley there as well. 😂

[@peterturner8766]

JD Sports in Worthing is in Montague Street. Look out for a blue Morris van parked in an alley. Not sure if it is blue after or before the respray - ask Leo Sayer.

[@deeayenn]

As a child I used to love those minor terror inducing ramps between levels.

[@stevenhawkins179]

From a distance you see it. Up close you smell it!

[@smabacon]

That carpark isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Don’t even get us started on Teville Gate! 😅

[@jameshopwood6202]

What an epic video! being born and beard in Worthing this car park holds many great memories 😂.

[@stewartsteinecke7301]

Not for me. It's the only time I had my car broken into and the stereo nicked.

[@DrivermanO]

Me too. I remember when this was built - I was 9 or 10 - but I can't remember what was there before! Worthing Town Council had/have a reputation for destroying stuff. The Old TRown Hall being a good example in early 1960s!

[@owenpotter8498]

It's a great car park to go to the top, stick it in neutral, and rag it down the ramps whilst free rolling! Done that many a time at Grafton

[@little.animals]

Should have taken the opportunity to drop it a review 😂

[@highpath4776]

@@Luke-dp3hg who is the half person ?

[@timsully8958]

I do love Worthing and I’m glad you included that glorious cinema which has all original fittings and decor. And that pier is easily the best looking one I’ve even seen. Have to agree though that the car park is pretty cool. I love how you have those connecting bridges and I suspect you had great fun driving all around it. Reminded me a bit of a cross between the Italian Job and Get Carter (though obviously without the Mafia getting involved or seeing Alf Robert’s tossed off the stairwell to his death 🤔 The mere fact that it reminds me of two of my favourite films is enough I’d say to justify the cancellation of the demolition plans 😉🍻👍

[@inneshickman]

I remember sitting in the Dome cinema watching 'Die Hard' and you could hear the buses coming and going from the bus station that used to be next door.

[@raynarnslr1966]

Yet another mid week marvel. Safe travels Jon atvb.

[@implodabubble]

Wooo! Hometown!

[@mikenorman2525]

My parents used to live in Worthing and I still visit the place two or three times a year for a few days at a time so it's nice to see the place gradually on the up. And I do love a a bit of Brutalist architecture if it's well done (e.g. Barbican Centre, Preston bus station etc). But that car park is an absolutely shocking eyesore (even worse close up). If it ever does go I'll have to make a special trip just to dance on its grave.

[@benhooper1956]

2:37 best sardonic smile I have had all week, cheers

[@David_Crayford]

Is that Avon? I had to look up sardonic as I thought it was the same as sarcastic. Also found cynicism and wit. We didn't take humour very seriously when I was at school.

[@benhooper1956]

@@David_Crayford That is indeed him! Yes it is actually one of my descriptions because it keeps people guessing which in itself gives a sardonic satisfaction

[@chrisperyagh]

I'm glad I never had to use that car park in all the time I went to and also lived in Worthing. The Buckingham Rd one you mentioned was right across from where I worked and the factory windows used to get smashed at weekends by kids throwing stones at them from the car park and my workbench, the main office and the other rooms along the south side as well as the workshops at ground level were often covered in glass on a Monday morning.

[@milehighclassics]

I’m going to visit it Sunday from Northampton

[@shakedown1979]

The roof of that car park would make an awesome Kart track 🤩 Glad to see more appreciation of the concrete joy that is Brutalism 👍

[@tpaul2866]

I suddenly feel the need to park on the top floor in one of the blue bays. Nurse!

[@alantheskinhead]

You want to go to Lee Circle in Leicester.... Now that's a ding dong but a listed ding dong. That's a double helix car park.... The first automatic car park in the UK, the location of the first Tesco hypermarket and it had valet parking. Opened by Sid James. Oh there's another one as well at Abbey Street.

[@jw4973]

The obligatory “shadddup” at the gull made this *chefs kiss*

[@SutekhTheDestroyer]

Hey, I live in Worthing! It could be worse; when I first moved here a few years ago, that particular building was a single, solid slab of grey. At least they’ve since gone to the effort of attempting to make it less dreary 😅

[@jasonk7072]

That bit where you were bombing round the upper levels reminded me of the car park in GTA 5. Someone should make a ramp out of an old beer advert and r can try and complete the Worthing stunt jump.

[@davidcassidy2731]

We have a worse car park on our sea front in Kirkcaldy it’s smaller but built from breeze block which really adds to the post apocalypse feel and atmosphere of the building.

[@tonys1636]

English Heritage will probably give it a Grade II listing after viewing this, many Brutalist buildings have it now but very few car parks, yet.

[@David_Crayford]

"J.D. Sports directly from the car park..." Ha! I missed that one.

[@shaunwest3612]

Great video John, amazing as always 👌👍😀

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

There's a multistory car park in Brighton, all i can remember is there's an Asda at the bottom of it. Absolute nightmare with a larger car, shunts required to use the ramps to go in-between floors!

[@Woffo]

Joyous! Ta.

[@Zackydude]

The interior of the dome cinema features in season 6 episode 3 titled ‘beyond the sea’ of black mirror.

[@Lazy_Jay_Racing]

Loving your work Jon, your humour is spot on 😁👍

[@AutoShenanigans]

Thanks a lot mate, appreciate that !

[@binarydinosaurs]

I'm pleased to see you did what I'd have done and drive round all the fun extra bits.

[@getreal7964]

Brutalist. Jarring. Epic. AND a car park too. Feels like Sunday on Wednesday. Happy Days !

[@guestandsons]

I rarely go there now but when I do it is a useful cheap car park to use.

[@gerrimilner9448]

i remember a building that looked like that, they pulled that one down 20 years ago

[@David_Crayford]

Very positive and complimentary. Shows Jon can research and make a video on anything, explain it clearly, and make it informative and interesting. I would have found it too easy to moan about Worthing and car parks, but who would enjoy watching a video like that, even if it was true?

[@Upsideout127]

Unsolicited random automotive information relating to Worthing and the surrounding area that you may find interesting: 1. The exterior styling for the Mazda mx-5 was developed in Worthing by a company called IAD. Which was based on the site of what was the Daewoo technical centre (buildings are still in use and are behind B&Q) 2. The former site of the Datsun UK parts headquarters can be found on columbia drive (buildings still exists and is now flats and warehouses) 3. Down the road next to Shoreham airport is Ricardo's original site, where indirect injection was developed 4. Down the road the other way in Littlehampton is Dutton cars... If you have ever wanted a floating Suzuki Jimmy look no further... 5. Further down the road in the same direction is the former site of Onyx formula one team (Next to denmans garden centre in fontwell)

[@FXCartel]

Quality video yet again really hope you dive into some more history an architecture before it's all long gone an forgotton

[@benjones1917]

No issues at all with Grafton car park, i use it a lot. Cheap, easy to access, and i love the aesthetic. I do wonder if we're a bit too quick to tear down 1960s concrete stuff. Look back to the enthusiasm for knocking down victorian stuff in the 1960s, its regretted now.

[@minibus9]

awesome video

[@alexanderswistak1778]

Should be given grade 2 listed building status

[@leejack-qt2em]

As a resident of worthing : No....Just no.

[@xr6lad]

You know what. It actually grows on me. That symmetrical front with there glass down the centre and the openings each side is kinda cool.

[@paul_grimsley]

'We' (though I'd prefer to say they) have one of these in Cannock, Staffordshire. It's smaller and has been modified many times before closing a few years ago, but the brick tower and rounded windows were surely designed by the same person as it's so similar. The worthing one has faired better, Cannock is due to have theirs demolished soon. I love your videos, even if you are Kier Starmer's brother.

[@mcginleypn7388]

Ahh a bit of afternoon delight.

[@robinwells8879]

The planning laws were rather new to nonexistent in those days and for many the period homes, that many had lived in, were deemed outdated, cold, damp and a bit shit really. Since then and with the arrival of central heating the next generation fell back in love with the period architecture once again. The town of Ely that you covered recently is a shining example of the age that good taste forgot with its repellent brutalist market square (dubbed locally as red square) especially when you see the medieval buildings including a butter market that they demolished to make way. 😢

[@somewhat-similar]

Oh you DO love to be beside the seaside, this was very apparent.

[@phildenholm]

Thanks

[@AutoShenanigans]

Thanks a lot mate, most kind of you!

[@richardshepherd6108]

I had missed "the second minor disagreement" line - glad it hasn't been discarded 😊

[@jameshansenbc]

This car park also likely helped preserve older buildings from being demolished for surface parking back when that was the thing to do.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Jon, Hope your well, Great video , never been there. I've heard of Worthing but were is it all I now it's in England, Have a great week

[@butler1233]

If you like this car park, you might like the 4! Similar car parks sat on the corners of Runcorn's "shopping city" shopping centre. It's all very 60s, and the area even includes an elevated bus way.

[@PixaFera]

Shout out for Worthing! The car park looks much better now that they've painted it in similar sorts of colours to the other buildings along the seafront. Also Level 1 is brilliant during the summer. Feels like you're on holiday!

[@ddfann]

You should have seen it before the tasteful two tone pastel colours were added, truly grim!!

[@furrdazzler]

Ayy Worthing mentioned 🙌

[@bradcrompton9055]

Never Expected my home town on here!

[@ThePretentious1]

Now Bold Lane ParkSafe in Derby. Allegedly one of the most secure buildings in the world!

[@keefsmiff]

Used to skateboard there in the mid 70s , great times

[@PRCOM]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 2:37 ur so right Jon about a t**t car 😂😂😂 Brilliant video

[@iansteel5569]

If you like 1970s brutalist multistorey carparks you should see the one in Chatham, it has a bus station in it! Sadly the bus station is no longer used.

[@ianbarnes9947]

We've got a brand new glass town hall in Crawley now! Just thought I'd mention it.

[@mcmarky1985]

Actually quite like the look of this car park and it appears a lot cheaper to park there than Brighton at least. No where near as bad as Anglia Square in Norwich (not sure you can park there now?) avoid the area like the plague. Was due for demolition this year but development plans fell through. Pretty sure it'll remain in Norwich till the end of time.

[@Real_Fanny_Urquhart]

The windows are CRT TV shape… it needs a bash as a giant video wall with bands playing on the top level on a scaffolding stage Like a farewell tour

[@Luke-dp3hg]

I have been in that carpark many times and it is in a good location since it backs onto montague street. Quite a handy carpark in my opinion.

[@mattm6720]

Someone should get it grade 1 listed just for a laugh, ideally without telling the council. That'd put rhe seagul among the pigeons

[@MikeSmith-sh3ko]

Good job

[@bettyswallocks6411]

The roof would be a great place to park a supercar with gull-wing doors.

[@grahamflemington5085]

I spent my first 26 years in Worthing, departed in 98. That car park, in fact the whole place looks a lot better and generally better cared for. The council planners have made some terrible decisions over the years, I think flattening this car park could be another one.

[@TsiolkovskySportingLocks]

ah its the typical "entering into the challenging dialogue with the buildinngs around it".

[@MichaelPyott]

When I was growing up in Worthing I knew it as the Bowling Alley car park as that is underneath. Wonder if that would be lost too in their masterplan.

[@siwynjones]

That “not fitting in with its surroundings” is sort of the appeal of places like this. Juxtaposition is just cool.

[@tobyjackman3212]

This is the best video I've ever seen about anything

[@AutoShenanigans]

Thanks mate, hope you are well!

[@Dan23_7]

I do admire concrete brutalist. I think you should do a series on concrete car parks. Preston has 2 from the 60’s. Saint George’s centre car park and the Preston bus terminal car park. Both concrete, too narrow for shit drivers and big pointless cars. I liked the Italian job esq ending. Cheers Jon 👍🏼

[@DanielleWhite]

I loved how you put it about the decision to build the structure. It's similar to the worst part of the movement in the US - that it could be done cheaply if uninspired made it attractive for "urban renewal" programs and the results are not generally well regarded today.

[@GLH8]

Bristol Rupert Street car park, now this. I can see a great mini series in the making !

[@motorstockholm]

Please do more car park reviews!

[@terryo2168]

It's a shame you missed The Tricorn in Portsmouth, Jon. Hold on, nobody misses The Tricorn.

[@mcihs2]

I used to work at the Tricorn, must be why I get to wistful when I park in the Grafton Street Car Park…

[@nsuro80]

It should never have been demolished.

[@1800astra]

Yes, the Tricorn had a lot going for it around street level. I lived in Pompey when the brutalist car park was looking tired, so understand why there was a move to flatten it, but there was literally nothing else resembling it in the country. The Trident in Gateshead, while dating from the same era, had its own thing going on, and I had the chance to visit it just as the wrecking balls moved in. Both examples are sadly no longer with us, that's the price we pay for progress. Nise vid, Jon. I particularly liked the TWAT A55 reg plate illustration!

[@andrewhaines3259]

They tried to demolish the bus station and car park at Preston, but thankfully it was saved!