Littlehampton Seafront Design Scheme

Following stakeholder engagement sessions, a public consultation ran between 21 October to 13 November 2022. The results can be found on this page. If you would like pie charts or graphs of the results or need them in a different format please email projectteam@arun.gov.uk.

Project Background

We have been awarded £7,234,201 Levelling Up Funding from the government to enhance the Littlehampton seafront green. The improvements are intended to attract more visitors to the area and boost the town’s economy. Plans were originally drawn up for the Littlehampton seafront area in 2016, and were consulted on in 2017. The Levelling Up Fund scheme focuses on the area west of, and including, Banjo Road and therefore has a reduced scope and cost from the original scheme.

The enhancements are set to include new toilets and beach showers, improvements to the car park including EV charging points, walkways and new sustainable planting matched to its coastal setting. Other highlights include new social spaces for activities such as water play, as well as new concessions units to increase the range of food on offer and an area for visiting market events. In addition, funding has been made available to include a Changing Places facility at the site. 

Latest news

The project team are in process of procuring a design & build contractor. Once appointed they will review the consultation feedback prior to a planning application in summer 2023.

Results of public consultation

1. Your age group?

Your age group?
Age Number of responses
0-11 6
12-18 7
19-25 15
26-39 101
40-60 168
61-75 134
75+ 33

 

2. Where do you live?

454 responses:

  • Littlehampton: 328
  • Rustington / East Preston: 86
  • Arundel / Yapton: 13
  • Arun District (other): 8
  • West Sussex (other): 11
  • Outside West Sussex: 8
  • Not given: 11

3. How did you hear about the consultation?

(select all that apply)

3. How did you hear about the consultation?
Response Number of responses
Littlehampton Gazette 32
Poster / banner 44
Email 37
Social media 226
Local radio 4
Word of mouth 83
Arun District Council website 51
Letter through post 46
Other (please specify) 38

 

4. I support the car park proposals shown on the image

4. I support the car park proposals shown on the image
Response Number of responses
Strongly agree 218
Somewhat agree 135
Neither agree nor disagree 51
Somewhat disagree 26
Strongly disagree 26

 

5. I support the proposals for Banjo Road and the marketplace on the image

5. I support the proposals for Banjo Road and the marketplace on the image
Response Number of responses
Strongly agree 223
Somewhat agree 128
Neither agree nor disagree 32
Somewhat disagree 32
Strongly disagree 40

6. I support the inclusion of new food or retail outlet units shown in the image

6. I support the inclusion of new food or retail outlet units shown in the image
Response Number of responses
Strongly agree 256
Somewhat agree 105
Neither agree nor disagree 35
Somewhat disagree 27
Strongly disagree 35

7. I support the proposals for the activity hub (East) shown on the image

7. I support the proposals for the activity hub (East) shown on the image
Response Number of responses
Strongly agree 265
Somewhat agree 118
Neither agree nor disagree 29
Somewhat disagree 20
Strongly disagree 27

8. I support the inclusion of planting to suit the local climate and ensure minimal maintenance and greatest success

8. I support the inclusion of planting to suit the local climate and ensure minimal maintenance and greatest success
Response Number of responses
Strongly agree 372
Somewhat agree 60
Neither agree nor disagree 12
Somewhat disagree 5
Strongly disagree 12

9. I support the proposals for the activity hub (west)

9. I support the proposals for the activity hub (west)
Response Number of responses
Strongly agree 274
Somewhat agree 121
Neither agree nor disagree 23
Somewhat disagree 16
Strongly disagree 24

10. I support the proposal to replace the existing toilets by the new building shown

10. I support the proposal to replace the existing toilets by the new building shown
Response Number of responses
Strongly agree 320
Somewhat agree 80
Neither agree nor disagree 16
Somewhat disagree 13
Strongly disagree 33

11. Depending on cost and available budget it may be possible to choose a different combination of activities than those shown in the design. Please choose 4 from the list

11. Depending on cost and available budget it may be possible to choose a different combination of activities than those shown in the design. Please choose 4 from the list
Response Number of responses
Water play featuring shallow pool 313
Climbing area - nets / wall 215
Beach volleyball 143
Boules area 140
Outdoor gym equipment 218
Toddler play features 191
Basketball half court 91
Giant swings 160
Table tennis  118

12. Do you have any additional comments you wish to share about the scheme?

Summary of comments received

Summary of comments relating to the car park
Summary of comment Number of comments received

Will increase flooding / ensure drainage to avoid flooding / consider type of surface

10

Parking provision likely to be insufficient / need to expand further

8

Include electrical vehicle charging points

4

Trees for shade / more planting to break up visual impact

4

Additional area will have negative visual impact

4

Clearer signage required

2

Consider size of parking spaces and modern cars

2

Cover parking spaces with solar panels

2

Do not include trees in car park

1

Additional lighting needed for safety

1

Further lighting will increase light pollution

1

Additional surface to be green / grass mats

1

Allow provision for campervans

1

Include measures to deter speeding / anti-social behaviour

1

 

Summary of comments relating to Banjo Road and marketplace
Summary of comments Number of comments received 

Retail to support and not compete with local business / be diverse / independent

17

Stage by the Sea is underused / too small / should be removed / replace with bandstand

13

Oppose concession / market units

10

Lease arrangements (operational hours / attract people out of season / flexible)

8

Support the concession units and market stalls / need more units to be sustainable

7

Do not agree with changing shape of Banjo Road

5

Electricity supply to be included for Stage by the Sea / other events

4

Marketplace to be flexible for range of events

3

Do not support reduction of coach parking spaces

2

Coaches should drop off and park elsewhere more beneficial to town

2

No coach parking – keep the greens ‘green’

2

Pleased to see coach parking retained / remove gated access

2

Do not permit sale of alcohol

2

Use area for alternative attraction – hotel / indoor facility

2

Support plans / nice feel / welcome the trees

2

Coach parking does not give right climate / environment message

1

There are too many coach parking spaces

1

Traders need good access to marketplace

1

Looks unattractive

1

Coach parking next to retail doesn’t sound safe

1

Don’t remove Banjo Road

1

Existing gardens need more planting

1

Remove Banjo Road to deter joy riders

1

Include signage to toilets

1

Include as many trees / planting as possible for shade

1

 

Summary of comments relating to the activity hub (buildings)
Summary of comments Number of comments received 

Oppose the provision of unisex toilets

11

Design to consider impact on theatre access for Windmill / noise during construction

8

Need additional toilets in other locations

6

As well as unisex retain some cubicles for gender specific use / female only

5

Good idea for toilet block / better provision

4

Opening hours to be reviewed / considered

3

Toilet block and foreshore building should swap locations

2

Foreshore building is unattractive / dominating

2

Architecture to reflect art deco period / not wooden clad boxes

2

Consider door opening and prevailing wind

2

Too many cubicles on toilet block (length of time to lock/unlock / maintenance costs)

2

Toilets should be free to use

2

Suitable number of toilets (don’t reduce facilities) and made gender neutral

2

Toilets overdesigned and too many

2

Don’t agree with urinals as well as unisex

2

Architectural design needs to be better coordinated

1

Views of sea from foreshore building / retain existing office

1

Cubicles doors to not open onto toilet

1

Materials need architectural merit / not be utilitarian

1

Not easy to see if cubicles are occupied

1

Toilet block design does not allow for enough shelter, privacy and circulation space

1

Consider adding 2nd floor to existing concessions building

1

Move away from ‘modern art’ approach to architecture

1

Best thing – new toilet block

1

Toilets should be pay to use

1

Money spent previously upgrading existing toilets

1

 

Summary of comments relating to the activity hub (activities)
Summary of comments Number of comments received 

Provision of storage for Park Run equipment

10

Oppose activities / keep it natural / preserve green area

10

Activity suggestions are exciting / fantastic / beneficial to area

9

Activities to be accessible for people with disabilities

9

Ensure activities for teenagers

8

Table tennis needs to be sheltered from wind / won’t work in this location

8

Consider alternative activities (trampoline / jet skis / mini football / padel court, lido)

5

BBQs to be retained / additional needed

5

Support gym equipment / use by PT groups / older age groups

5

Gym equipment to be spaced out along prom / better in Mewsbrook Park

4

Include activities able to accommodate large numbers in summer e.g. water play

4

Supervision / staffing of activities / first aid

4

Water play with rocks would be unsafe / include area for very young children

3

Design looks busy and cluttered / too many activities in one area

3

Sand will get blown around

3

Focus on children / families

3

Oppose ferris wheel

3

Upgrade land train to electric to reduce noise

2

How will dogs be kept away from play activities?

2

Water play is not needed when you have the sea

2

Support sand play / consider sand play with pulleys and diggers

2

Encourage beach volleyball clubs to use area

2

Picnic areas to be retained

2

Replicates other local facilities which just need improvement / scheme not needed

2

Different range of play activities which are suitable for more children

1

Water play presents issue with H&S, noise, water restrictions

1

Boules can be used all year round

1

Basketball would be a noise nuisance

1

Gym bikes to power fountains

1

No one will use gym equipment

1

Climbing wall sounds dangerous if unsupervised

1

Will generate more noise from visitors, loud music etc

1

No more skate parks

1

How will it look in autumn / winter?

1

Include facilities for young adults / adults who will spend money in the area

1

 

Summary of comments on planting
Summary of comments Number of comments received

Enhancing landscape / natural planting will be positive

5

Commitment needed to maintain planting

4

Plant species need to suit the location

4

More planting to prevent flooding

2

Allow for plenty of green space for informal recreation as well as new facilities

2

More trees should be included / larger trees

1

More planting needed in car park

1

Avoid trees in car park – damage to vehicles

1

Involve community in planting

1

Like paths winding through planting

1

Consider anti-social behaviour – keep planting open

1

More shade from trees is needed – perhaps memorial trees

1

Colourful flower beds

1

 

Summary of other comments
Summary of comments Number of comments

General positive and supportive comments

36

Consideration to maintenance of scheme / funding

16

Allow for more shelter

14

More litter bins needed / more litter generated

12

Include adequate / more seating

10

Scheme will impact on sea views / green open space

9

Concern for anti-social behaviour / security / policing

9

Project to allow for green energy (solar, wind, tidal)

7

Allow for signage / links to town centre and railway

7

Allow for cycle racks / secure / covered cycle parking

6

Scheme to be dog friendly / more dog bins

6

Allow for CCTV / security / policing

6

Design impact of covenants / opportunities to challenge / benefits to adjacent business

5

Energy efficient lighting / resource efficient materials / reduce carbon footprint

3

Consultation period / promotion inadequate / locations not accessible

3

Scheme to be high quality (as riverside walkway). 

2

All project materials to be graffiti and vandal proof

2

Keep walkways clear of dog mess / enforcement

2

Include low level lighting / lighting

2

Include water refill stations along seafront

2

Include lockers to store kit for visitors when on / in the sea

2

Deliver within allocated funds and on programme

2

Encourage more cycling not cars

2

Look at Terry Farrel proposals

1

Consider existing events (bonfire)

1

Allow for more dog-free areas

1

Reinstate original features (tiled edging behind beach huts, grass verges)

1

Allow for celebration of ethnicities

1

Include signage for education (seashell / seaweed)

1

Consider location for helicopter landing

1

Do not increase council tax to pay for this

1

 

 

Other comments – outside project scope

Request for Park Run markings on promenade / avoid impact on course

32

Funding should be used elsewhere in the town / options to use on other facilities

30

Investment / decoration of existing buildings (concession building / Windmill)

12

Enable access to beach for wheelchair users

7

Resident permits scheme / impact of additional visitors on local roads

7

Funding contribution from adjacent businesses towards scheme?

6

Continue with free parking after 6pm

4

Road needs to be 20mph with zebra crossing by mini station / speed enforcements

2

Pedestrian only area for Pier Road / traffic changes

2

Visual impact of off-shore wind turbines

2

Pontoons for angling on West Bank

1

Extend scheme further to Mewsbrook Park

1

Prom markings for running and cycling

1

Remove existing buildings next to coastguard station

1

Funding for faster broadband connection

1

Town retail improvements

1

South Terrace looks shabby

1

Minimal parking charges to encourage use of car park and not local streets

1

Allow flexible parking times

1

 

Comments received from Littlehampton Town Council’s Resources Committee

The opportunity for further investment in the seafront was broadly welcomed but Members did have some reservations. These related to the impact on the town centre which it was hoped would benefit from the recent programme of public realm improvements.

The committee therefore wished to see improvements on the seafront that complemented the Town Centre. Having considered the plans in more detail, the following comments and suggestions were noted:

  • the formalised parking provision was welcomed, and Members wished to see more electric vehicle charging points.
  • coaches limited to drop off and pick up only at the seafront, with parking provision sited in the Town Centre car parks to encourage footfall through the town centre and then on to the seafront.
  • more thought needed to be given to creating a route to and from the Town Centre to the Beach. It was also suggested that a Land Train be explored.
  • parking provision needed for large vehicle deliveries of performance equipment to the Windmill Theatre.
  • the concept of introducing a market in Banjo Road was not supported and as an alternative Members wished to see provision for more “pop up” concessions on the seafront.
  • observing that the Stage by the Sea was under used, Members suggested that with some creative thinking, improvements could be made to make it a more functional area that could host a wider range of outdoor performances encouraging greater use including more seating. There was also some support for the introduction of a bandstand in a prominent location and Members wondered if this had been considered.
  • consideration of improvements to the exterior of the Windmill Theatre to compliment the new plans for the seafront.
  • many of the additional facilities were welcomed and Members wished to see more BBQs, water stations, and rubbish bins, including clear labelling to encourage recycling and showers on the beachfront.
  • screening / protection for the play areas to prevent sand making them unusable.

Consultation display boards in PDF format can be downloaded here: Littlehampton Seafront public consultation 2022 [pdf] 12MB and viewed individually with an accessible text format by opening the following headings.

Public consultation Board 1 - Project background

Board 1 (description below)

The council has been awarded £7,234, 201 Levelling Up Funding from the government to enhance the Littlehampton seafront green.

Plans were originally drawn up for the Littlehampton seafront area in 2016. These were consulted on in 2017. The plans received a high degree of support with some areas requiring further consideration. These included coach parking, shelter, concessions and materials.

The Levelling Up Fund scheme focuses on the area west of, and including, Banjo Road and therefore has a reduced scope and cost from the original scheme.

The council has appointed consultants to take the project forward with designs which create a high quality and welcoming landscape for visitors and the local community. The improvements are intended to attract more visitors to the area and boost the town’s economy.

Description of image

Site location and boundary

The image shows an aerial photograph which outlines the project boundary in red. The red outline begins at the junction of South Terrace with Windmill Road and follows Windmill Road south until it meets the seafront promenade. The line then follows the promenade east until it meets the Stage by the Sea performance space. The boundary line runs north with Stage by the Sea and Banjo Road to the west until it meets South Terrace. It crosses Banjo Road to the west before turning south again and outlines the curve of the existing coach parking area in Banjo Road. The red outline crosses the seafront green in a westerly direction and then runs north when it reaches the pedestrian footpath. Once it meets South Terrace it runs along the north edge of the existing car park before ending at the junction with Windmill Road.

Site analysis

The image shows an aerial photograph of the Littlehampton seafront site between Windmill Road and Banjo Road. There are coloured blocks on the photo which highlight different areas. Harbour Park is shown in blue to the west of Windmill Road. The existing car park is shown in orange to the east of Windmill Road with the adjacent overflow car park located east of the existing and shown in yellow. A square of green shows the open grass area of the seafront green between the car park and Banjo Road. The coach parking area of Banjo Road is highlighted as a rounded purple block. A pink area to the south shows the location of the Stage by the Sea.

The vehicle routes are shown entering the car park from South Terrace which sits north of the site and leaving the car park to the west onto Windmill Road. There are height barriers at these locations. The coach access into Banjo Road is shown off the mini roundabout in South Terrace.  A pedestrian route is shown running between South Terrace to the north and the promenade at the south and sits between the overflow car park and the open grass area.

Buildings within the site are identified. The Harvester pub sits to the south of the main car park and the existing toilet and foreshore building is south-west of here. The coastguard building is located south-west of the toilet block and is closest to the sea.

The image also shows the path of the sun with a dotted line around the south of the site and the direction of the south westerly winds. A band of mounded ground lies between the promenade and the green area.

Photo of existing site

The image is looking south and shows the existing picnic area grass area which is enclosed with a timber fence. In the distance there are trees and built structures along the promenade.

Photo of existing site

The image is looking north and shows the edge of the curved concrete Stage by the Sea structure in a parkland setting. In the background the image shows the tarmac area of the Banjo Road coach park and the houses in South Terrace.

Photo of existing site

The image shows the south side of the existing toilet block. It is a light grey building with a sloped roof. There is a covered area before you enter the building.

Photo of existing site

The image is looking south-west across the Banjo Road coach park which is being used by coaches and mini buses.

Board 2 - Masterplan

Board 2 (description below)

The project aims to rejuvenate Littlehampton seafront with a range of new facilities set within an enhanced landscape. The scheme has been designed to feature the following:

  • Improved car parking
  • New buildings
  • Outdoor activities
  • Footpaths and seating
  • Areas of planting

The designs for the scheme will consider the coastal location and use durable and robust materials.

A more in-depth look at the various parts of the proposed site can be found on the boards which follow.

Description of image 

Masterplan

The image shows a plan of the new design for the Littlehampton seafront. The plan is numbered as follows. 

Number 1 shows Banjo Road which is accessed from South Terrace. The coach parking has been reconfigured to allow space to the south for tree planting and a marketplace. An outline of the ferris wheel area is shown in the coach parking area.

Number 2 shows the marketplace which is a new site south of the coach parking and north of Stage by the Sea, for visiting market events with pop up power, lighting and 4 fixed units for concessions rental.

Number 3 shows the activity hub which has been located west of the marketplace and Stage by the Sea. It covers a large area of the seafront green and links up with the south-east corner of the car park and the foreshore area to the west. The hub will include activities such as climbing, beach volleyball, boules and seating areas.

Number 4 shows the water play feature between the car park and the seafront promenade and at the west of the activity hub. The water feature will include channels, pools and a small number of jets.

Number 5 shows a pedestrian footpath which runs along the east side of the car park to link the town centre, car park and seafront arrival.

Number 6 shows the car park accessed from South Terrace which is to be resurfaced and reconfigured to join up with the pedestrian entrances and new amenities.

Number 7 shows the location of the new toilet block between the Windmill Theatre and Harbour Park and the new foreshore building to the west of the activity hub. 

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows low planting on a shingle bed growing among rocks and weathered timber.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows a footpath winding through low herbaceous planting which is banked on the right-hand side.  There are trees and bridge structures in the background. In the foreground there is a post with signage.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows children playing in a water feature constructed from slabs of rock, with water jets spraying in different directions.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows a group of people sitting at a picnic table in a parkland setting.

Board 3 - Car park

Board 3 (description below)

The car park will combine the existing hard surfaced area with the overflow parking area to create a new and more efficient layout. There will be a small increase in spaces and enhanced pedestrian access routes to the seafront. A location for electric vehicle charging points will be included.

Where possible the design will feature planting and trees in keeping with the seafront’s natural landscape. Tree planting will need to be carefully located to avoid underground sewer pipes which run beneath the site.

Description of image

Car park plan

The image shows the new car park layout with the access from South Terrace and exit onto Windmill Road. The image features a dotted line that shows the area of the existing overflow car park. It is planned that the car park surfacing will be extended to also cover the current overflow grass area to form one large car park. The image shows rows of parking spaces running north-south with pedestrian access routes running west-east to link up with the beach arrival pedestrian. There are a few new trees planted in the car park as well some shrub planting.

Car park sketch

The image shows a sketch of the car park facing the south-east corner towards the activity hub. A pedestrian route through the car park is shown linking with the north-south footpath which leads to the activity hub. There are trees planted between facing car park bays and shrub planting along the edge of the car park.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows cars parked with low, informal shrub planting along the edge.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows a pedestrian walkway through a car park. The route has lighting bollards and trees on either side.

 

Board 4 - Banjo Road and marketplace

Board 4 (description below)

Banjo Road has been reconfigured to enable 16 coaches to park on site. The new layout allows more space to the south for a marketplace with 4 concession buildings and tree planting. The buildings will increase the variety of food or retail stalls offered along the seafront. There is also the opportunity to site temporary market stalls among the trees.

Parking for cars has been re-provided in the main car park. The hard surfaced area is a flexible space which could be used to accommodate a big wheel, events or markets.

Description of image

Banjo Road plan

The image shows Banjo Road which is accessed from South Terrace. The access road has 4 spaces for coach parking. The existing curved area to Banjo Road has been reconfigured to a square layout for coach parking and turning areas, with space for another 12 coaches. An outline of the ferris wheel area is shown in the coach parking area. To the south of the coach parking there is a grid of tree planting called a marketplace. To the south of the trees and north of Stage by the Sea there are 4 permanent concession stalls. There is new planting shown along the west side of Banjo Road, with routes through for pedestrians. There are footpaths leading off to the west to link with the activity hub. The Stage by the Sea is shown as being retained.  

Sketch

The image shows a grid of trees with temporary market stalls beneath and the permanent concession units to the south.

Computer generated image

The image shows the concession retail units set between lines of trees. The units will have open fronts displaying menus. There are people standing and walking among them. To the right of the image there are canopies from temporary market stalls.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows a grey box structure in a parkland setting being used as a catering unit with a door and serving counter.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows a box structure being used as a catering unit. The doors are open and the menu is displayed on the inside of the doors. The open doors also reveal the serving counter and there are groups of people queuing to order drinks.

Photo showing design inspiration

The image shows a Boxpark retail centre as an example of a collection of small retail units. There is a low building with a series of units linked together.

Board 5 - Activity hub (east)

Board 5 (description below)

The activity hub aims to attract more visitors to the seafront through the variety of activities on offer. People will be able to explore using a series of accessible footpaths which will weave through large swathes of new planting. Lighting bollards will be incorporated along the main paths to improve security at night.

In the east half of the site visitors will be able to enjoy activities such as beach volleyball, boules or scrambling on the climbing nets. There will also be opportunities for relaxing, having picnics and using the BBQs.

Planting will be chosen to withstand the dry and windy conditions on the seafront, with local species being selected to reflect the coastal environment.

Description of image 

Activity hub (east)

The image shows the activity hub which is located west of the marketplace. There are footpath linking the activities together. The activities shown are climbing nets, beach volleyball and a boules area. Part of the water play also extends into this area. New planting around the edges of lawns creates places to sit.

Sketch

The sketch shows a path winding through a parkland setting with trees and low planting. There is a beach volleyball area to the left of the path and beyond there are water play pools and climbing nets. The image also shows seating and pergola structures.

Photos showing design inspiration

The images show people playing beach volleyball, climbing nets, playing boules, playing on rocks with shallow pools of water and relaxing on a grass lawn.

Board 6 - Activity hub (west)

Board 6 (description below)

In the west of the site the design includes new toilets, a foreshore building and a water play feature. The water play will be a series of shallow pools and a small number of jets, with specialist equipment to recycle and clean the water. Sand play could also form part of the feature.

The coastal style planting will extend through this area creating sheltered areas to sit. There will be a variety of seating across the site including benches, picnic tables and pergolas which will provide shade.

Information about the buildings can be found on the next board.

Description of image

Activity hub (west)

The image shows a new toilet block located to the west of the Windmill Theatre and a new foreshore building to the east of the existing shelter. New footpaths east of the foreshore building to lead people through the activity hub to Banjo Road and marketplace, through new planting and picnic areas. A water feature formed of shallow rock pools and jets is the main feature.

Sketch

The sketch shows the water play feature formed from shallow rock pools and water jets. There are trees and grass areas, and the new single storey foreshore building is in the background.

Computer generated image

The image shows the new toilet block which is a narrow single storey white building with a curved end. The end curve extends and is supported by pillars. There is a circular hole in the roof which allows a tree to grow through it.  A circular bench surrounds the tree trunk and there are people sitting on it in the shade. The curved wall of the beach showers is behind the seat. A person is using the water bottle filling station which is set into the wall of the toilet block. A row of colourful toilet cubicle doors (blue, orange, pink, green and yellow) stretches along the side of the building. There are people shown next to the building.

 

Board 7 - Activity hub (west)

Board 7 (description below)

New toilet block

The modern design of the new toilet block aims to increase the number of people able to use it and reduce queues. As well as additional toilets it will include 4 larger cubicles for families and a Changing Places facility. This is a larger accessible toilet for disabled people that has specialist equipment, such as hoists and support rails. The building will also have beach showers and a water bottle filling station.

New foreshore building

The council’s Foreshore service and the RNLI will be based in a new building which will provide space to store equipment. The building will also house the land train.

Description of image

Activity hub (west) – buildings

The image shows a plan of the new toilet block. This is a long and narrow single storey building with rounded ends and is based on the shape of the existing concessions building on the promenade. The building is coloured white and has a flat roof. The building has a row of cubicles along each long side which are each accessed by their own brightly coloured doors (green, pink, blue, yellow, orange and purple). There are 26 unisex toilets, 4 family cubicles with baby change units, 2 accessible toilets, 10 urinals, a plant and storage room, a Changing Places facility and beach showers. At the very southern end there is a tree with a circular seat for people to rest in the shade. 

Computer generated image

The image shows the new toilet block set behind a row of trees. The image is a side view of the building which is long and narrow and has 19 cubicle doors in different colours (pink, yellow, green, blue, orange). Behind the toilet block there is another taller building shown with a sloping roof, which is the existing Windmill Theatre. More trees are shown in the distance.

Computer generated image

The image shows the new foreshore building. It is a single storey building with sloping roofs. The exterior walls are clad in vertical timber slats, with windows sitting behind the slats. On the east side of the building there are doors for staff access and for the large stores.

Computer generated image

The image shows the new foreshore building. It is a single storey building with sloping roofs. The exterior walls are clad in vertical timber slats. On the west side of the building there is a slightly lower section with a flat roof which will house the land train. A single door is shown at the south end for train access.

 

Board 8 - Activity choices

Public consultation board number 8

As well as water play the design allows for the inclusion of beach volleyball, boules and climbing nets. We want to know if you think this is the right combination of activities.

Depending on cost and available budget it may be possible to choose a different combination of activities. The  full range of options are set out above - the consultation survey asks the public to select four activities.

Description of image

Photos showing design inspiration

The top row of images show people playing beach volleyball, climbing nets, playing boules, playing on a half basketball court and playing on outdoor table tennis tables.

The bottom row of images show people playing on rocks with shallow pools of water, using outdoor gym equipment, using giant swings and interacting with play features such as a sunken area and a ground-level trampoline.

Board 9 - Next steps

Board 9 (description below)

Following the public consultation, the results will be collated and presented to the Policy and Finance Committee.

Detailed plans will be drawn up and a planning application submitted.

Work is expected to begin in 2023 and be completed in 2024.

The work will be programmed to minimise disruption during the peak tourist season.

Description of image

Aerial sketch

The image shows an aerial sketch of the whole scheme looking from the south-west corner. The sea, beach and promenade are shown in the right of the image, with the existing concession building located at the edge of the project site. The new toilet block and foreshore are located directly north of the concession building with the existing shelter and pumping station between them. The water play and activity hub are shown east of the foreshore building and are connected with a series of footpaths and lots of new planting. The marketplace and coach park lie further still to the east.

Previous project information

Proposals to transform Littlehampton seafront using a grant of £7,234,201 from the government’s Levelling Up Fund have been unveiled at a council meeting.

The designs show how the site could look once revitalised with highlights of the project including new social spaces for activities such as water play, boules and volleyball, as well as new concessions units to increase the range of food on offer and an area for visiting market events.

Further enhancements are set to include new toilets and beach showers, improvements to the car park, including EV charging points, walkways and new, sustainable planting matched to its coastal setting.

The waterfronts of Littlehampton are its strongest asset and are a key attraction for tourists. Developing and enhancing this area has been identified as a priority for the economic success of the town. In 2017 there was extensive public consultation for proposals to enhance and improve the areas nearest to the seafront. Concept designs were developed by LDA Design who had already designed the award-winning East Bank landscaping scheme and new plans for the town centre Littlehampton’s Public Realm.

It is anticipated the work will begin next year and be completed in 2024. Read the full press release, dated 7 September, here.

It is expected that stakeholder engagement and public consultation will be carried out in October 2022.