Major regeneration to town centre almost complete
The next phase of regeneration work in Bognor Regis is now underway.
Arun District Council secured £1.65million of funding from the Coastal Communities Fund to create a new and attractive pedestrian route from the railway station at Station Square, through the town centre via the recently refurbished London Road precinct and High Street.
The aim is to raise the overall quality of the public realm to enhance the economic fortunes of the town, encouraging new businesses and creating new jobs.
The first phase of improvements saw the construction of a new town gateway and public space for events and street entertainment at Station Square.
The next improvement saw the creation of a safer pedestrian link between Station Square and the regenerated London Road shopping precinct which saw pavements and roadways resurfaced using high quality and distinctive materials. The effect has encouraged some cafes to spill out over the pedestrianised area creating an enjoyable atmosphere for shoppers.
To deliver this next phase of the transformation, a further £1m of contributions have come from Arun District Council, Bognor Regis Town Council, Butlin’s and Sainsbury’s, and West Sussex County Council. This initiative aims to boost the local economy, promote growth, maintain and create jobs and attract new investment from the private sector and also in High Street with the new traffic flow streetscape.
This phase sees the resurfacing of the pavements at the east and west ends of the High Street, along with the carriageway to the west between Bedford Street and the junction with Queensway. Other key town centre areas are also being improved.
Councillor Mrs Gillian Brown, Arun District Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Strategy, said: “The latest work marks the culmination of what has been a successful rejuvenation of Bognor Regis town centre after the Council’s Coastal Communities Fund bid was approved.
“The high quality materials make the public space, pavements and carriageways look absolutely splendid. This work has encouraged many businesses to upgrade their premises and offer, and has also encouraged new businesses to set up shop in the heart of Bognor Regis.
“The final piece in this transformation will contain similar materials from the previous work creating a visually appealing and vibrant town centre which will not only attract visitors from near and far but local residents too.
“These improvements should not take long to complete so disruption to residents and businesses should be kept to a minimum. The Council will inform those affected by the work in advance and Arun will continue to keep residents and businesses up-to-date as the work progresses.”
The work started on Monday, 17 October and is being carried out by Balfour Beatty, West Sussex County Council’s maintenance contractor.