Event held to celebrate renovated bandstand
The success of a project to restore the Grade II listed Bognor Regis Bandstand back to its former glory has been celebrated at an official opening event.
Hosted by Chair of Arun District Council, Councillor Jim Brooks, the event attracted a big crowd of people who admired the workmanship of the iconic structure while enjoying a performance by the Bognor Regis Concert Band – sadly cut short due to poor weather.
The event, held on Sunday 3 October, had been planned for earlier in the year when the project was unveiled but was postponed due to Covid-19 safety measures.
Chairman Cllr Brooks said: “I was delighted that so many people came along to the event – even The Wombles turned up! Unfortunately, the band had to cut their performance short when the weather closed in but they got a huge round of applause for trying.
“I think everyone enjoyed the event and seeing how beautifully the bandstand has been restored. We now need to focus on making it as user-friendly as possible so that it’s simple to hire and events can be enjoyed by all.”
The heritage structure was given a new lease of life thanks to a successful funding bid by Arun District Council to the Coastal Revival Fund, resulting in a £50,000 grant towards the work.
The project included rebuilding the intricate bandstand railings with new metalwork, a complete renovation of the roof and replacing the existing concrete floor and brick plinth with materials more in keeping with the original design.
Falcon Homes Ltd carried out the refurbishment and West Sussex-based Sloane & Brown Ltd ran the project for ADC as external consultants.
Councillor Andy Cooper, Chair of the Economic Committee at Arun District Council said: “I’m pleased that we were at last able to have a formal event to celebrate all the hard work that has gone into restoring the bandstand back to its former glory. It looks truly magnificent and is now a real focal point for the town and the community once more.”
The bandstand is a key feature of the promenade and was bought from Cheltenham Corporation in 1948 for just £175. A further £450 was then spent on dismantling the bandstand, transporting it to Bognor Regis and then rebuilding it.