Council to carry out regeneration studies
Arun District Councillors have approved plans to carry out extensive studies into proposals to redevelop two key sites in Bognor Regis.
The Council plans to spend a total of up to £260,000 on feasibility studies for regenerating the Hothamton Car Park and Regis Centre.
Arun remains committed to the regeneration of this area of Bognor Regis and has released some images of what the new development could look like, including modern and traditional designs, to show possible alternative styles.
The Council is also keen to ensure that the Alexandra Theatre is maintained, either through improvements or a new building, and one study will examine how best to deliver a theatre that meets the needs of the local community and tourists. Arun intends to provide an improved theatre, gallery and space for cultural events, fit for the future.
An additional study will make recommendations about the pub adjacent to the Alexandra Theatre, which is leased to hospitality company Whitbread. The pub could become a landmark building including visitor attractions, homes and restaurants whilst Place St Maur could be turned into an area for events and activities. A pub, homes, a restaurant and small shops could also be built on the Regis Centre site with a decked car park.
Councillor Mrs Gillian Brown, Leader of Arun District Council and Cabinet Member for Council Strategy, said: “The Council is determined to bring about redevelopment to the heart of Bognor Regis. Arun has already carried out the broadest public consultation Bognor Regis has ever seen and now the Council is testing how best to implement these proposals.
“I am confident that, once the feasibility studies have been carried out, Arun will have a sound business case to move forward the redevelopment of these two key sites. I look forward to moving as quickly as we can to the next stage of the process.”
The plans were approved at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday, July 20.