Roffey Homes: Celebrating 65 years of excellence

This year, we’re proud to celebrate our 65th anniversary – a remarkable achievement in our journey of building homes and communities along the south coast. As part of this milestone celebration, we’re taking a look back at our standout developments and the community contributions we have made over the last six and a half decades…

From humble beginnings

Roffey Homes was founded by Reginald Cheal in 1960, following the establishment of the construction company Westbrooke Developments three years prior. Since then, we’ve become a trusted name in property development, renowned for our commitment to delivering high-quality homes using innovative building practices and always remaining mindful of our community impact.

Worthing’s Sompting Avenue was the site where Reginald developed his first homes in the ’60s, beginning to turn what was originally a small cul-de-sac into the tree-lined avenue we know today. Throughout the 1970s, Roffey Homes established a niche in the construction of elegant apartments, each development carefully located to enhance the community and to offer an elevated standard of living for residents.

During the following decade, Reginald’s son Ian Cheal took on the leadership of Roffey Homes, and today Reginald’s grandson Ben is at the helm. Roffey Homes still operates from Cheals Mews, Worthing, its original office constructed by Ben’s great-grandfather back in the 1930s. As a third-generation family business firmly rooted in Worthing’s community, we remain dedicated to creating homes that blend timeless design with modern living.

Highlights from 65 years of building more than just homes

Award-winning homes

We’ve been fortunate to receive various awards for the homes we have created, and we do not take this recognition lightly – it’s always an honour to be commended for our commitment to excellence. Our developments have been recognised by the International Property Awards, the Sussex Heritage Trust, the Building Beauty Awards, RIBA, and more.

Bayside Apartments

One of our flagship developments, Bayside Apartments, has become a local landmark at the end of Worthing’s sand and shingle beach. Offering luxurious seaside living with panoramic views, Bayside is not only a collection of superior residences but also a beacon on Worthing’s skyline. In 2023, Bayside Apartments won the prestigious RIBA South East Award and the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust Building Beauty Award – testament to our commitment to architectural excellence.

Growing the local economy

Our recent report into the impact of our completed and future developments on the local economy from 2000 onwards found that by the end of 2028, we will have contributed 1,055 new residences – from starter and affordable homes to the luxury beachfront apartments that have become our trademark.

What’s more, our investment in construction projects is set to total an estimated £413 million and the annual contribution of our developments to the local economy is expected to reach £28.8 million. This reflects our dedication to supporting the local economy, its workforce and residents, and our commitment to enhancing the region’s appeal as a place to live.

Honouring our roots

In 2024, we sponsored the planting of 35 new trees on Sompting Road and Sompting Avenue, as part of the Trees For Streets scheme. The location of the new trees was chosen especially to commemorate Reginald Cheal and the first houses he developed – planting the seeds of the business that thrives today.

Lindfield Place: Exclusively for over 65s

It feels serendipitous that our Lindfield Place development for over-65s coincides with our 65th anniversary. This exclusive development offers beautifully designed apartments conveniently located near Worthing town centre and the beach, providing residents with comfort, convenience, and community in their later years.

Building for the next 65 years and beyond

As we celebrate 65 years of Roffey Homes, we do so with immense pride in our heritage and a clear vision for the future. Ben Cheal, Managing Director of Roffey Homes said:

“It has been an honour to work with and lead a team of dedicated, hardworking and trustworthy individuals over the last 25 years who have assisted me in continuing the family business, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of building design led, high quality homes in and around Worthing for many years to come.”

From our first homes on Sompting Avenue to award-winning landmarks like Bayside Apartments, every project reflects our enduring commitment to excellence, innovation and community. As we look ahead to the next chapter, we remain dedicated to shaping exceptional living spaces that stand the test of time – continuing to build not just homes, but legacies, for generations to come.

NEWS