Colonnade House, a gallery, studio and hub for artists and creatives in Worthing, wants to establish a dedicated, street-level workshop by expanding into a former restaurant.
The expansion aims to tackle what organisers say is a critical shortage of arts space.
Grant funding to refurbish the street-level space has already been secured, ahead of a planned launch in summer 2026.
The proposed workshop would be specifically designed for youth arts and local community use.
The gallery says demand for creative space is surging, with waiting lists for facilities now more than a year long, and there is proven demand for the space following public consultations last year.
A planning statement suggests the move would plug a gap, with arts opportunities shrinking in schools and other public spaces.
The new workshop would offer affordable classes led by local professionals, plus half-term and summer holiday sessions.
Colonnade House is located in the town’s café quarter, in a 19th-century building that used to be a library and post office.
The venue has two gallery spaces on the ground floor, while the upper three floors have ten studios available to rent.
Worthing Borough Council and the Adur & Worthing Trust first turned the building into a creative centre in 2016.
The former restaurant that the gallery is seeking to expand into relocated approximately five years ago.
It was later fitted out as a vape shop, but the lease expired and it has remained vacant since last year.
Among the upcoming events due to be hosted by Colonnade House is The West Sussex Art Society Annual Show, which will showcase the art of around 30 local artists in May.