Arcade welcomes first new tenants
The renaissance of Bognor Regis Arcade has taken its next steps as the first new tenants prepare to get the keys and open up shop.
Arun District Council became the proud owner of the arcade last October and contractors have been working hard carrying out the essential repairs needed to be able to let the vacant units.
Since the Council took ownership, there has been considerable commercial interest in the arcade units, and the first new tenants are already on their way.
The vaping shop, Vapor Evolution, has moved from a smaller unit within the arcade into a larger unit to accommodate its growing business.
Award-winning Warrens Bakery, the oldest Cornish pasty maker in the world, is moving into the large unit facing the High Street, and will be getting the keys soon to start its fit-out. The opening of the new branch is set to create new jobs.
Councillor Phil Hitchins, Chairman of the Council’s Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee, said: “We are delighted that there is such strong interest from new businesses wanting to base themselves in Bognor Regis, and to trade from this iconic building. I look forward to personally welcoming the new companies to the town, and seeing flourishing businesses in every unit!”
Councillor Stephen Haymes, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Technical Services, said: “This is our Property Investment Strategy in action. It will generate an income for the Council in the long term to offset the lack of central government funding, and enable us to keep delivering valued services to our community.”
There is confirmed retail interest in some of the remaining units, but a couple are still available, so if your business is looking for new premises please contact the agents, Flude Commercial at Chichester on 01243 819000.