The Worthing Integrated Care Centre, built on what was formerly a council car park in Stoke Abbott Road, was supposed to open in 2024.

But several issues, including the presence of legionella bacteria in the water supply and a fault with the water system, have seen the date for NHS services to move into the building pushed further back.

Once operational, the centre will provide GP, mental health, community and dentistry services under one roof as well as a pharmacy and additional services for families and young children.

Worthing Borough Council said it is now in talks with West Sussex (Worthing) Limited about the possibility of claiming compensation for delays and increased costs to the project.

It was revealed earlier this year that the delays could cost the council an extra £45 million, which will need to be repaid with interest over the next 60 years.

“The contract with WSWL includes a route for us to seek compensation for the losses caused by delays to the project, through a liquidated damages claim, and that process is now underway,” the council said.

“We’re working with specialist legal advisors on recovering compensation to reduce the long-term financial cost to the community of the WICC.”

The original budget for the project, which hopes to “transform healthcare” in the town, was just under £34 million.

The council said contractors are still working to tackle issues that must be dealt with before the opening.

“Construction firm Galliford Try, which is contractually responsible for the design, construction and compliance of the water system at the WICC, has accepted the system back into its control to sort out,” the council said.

“We won’t accept the water system back until it is demonstrably fully safe and functional, so our NHS partners can move in and patients can be seen there.

“When it is fully operational, the WICC will be the first centre of its kind in Sussex, providing a range of NHS services on one site and allowing the community to receive better healthcare.”