Regeneration of The Arcade moves forward
The Arcade regeneration proposals for Bognor Regis wins unanimous committee support in steps toward delivery.
Arun District Council has resolved to grant planning permission for the regeneration of The Arcade, following a meeting of the council's Planning Committee on 14 January 2026, subject to final conditions being met.
The decision marks a significant milestone in the council's plans for the rejuvenation of Bognor Regis town centre and demonstrates our commitment to supporting high-quality regeneration projects that both strengthen the local economy and create a more vibrant and sustainable town centre.
The approved proposals will deliver a comprehensive refurbishment and extension of The Arcade's upper floors, alongside the creation of up to 35 new town centre apartments. This new residential development contributes to increased footfall and helps to foster a more active and thriving town centre in Bognor Regis.
In addition, the scheme will potentially include new and improved ground floor commercial space in The Arcade, alongside the creation of external amenity areas. Together, these elements will help enhance the overall offer of The Arcade, improving the experience of residents and visitors alike in the town centre.
A key feature of the proposals is the strong focus on respecting and enhancing the historic character of The Arcade. Original architectural features will be retained and restored wherever possible, ensuring the building's heritage is preserved while being sensitively adapted to meet future needs.
The granting of planning permission highlights the council's confidence that the scheme can be successfully delivered, as well as play a meaningful role in the wider regeneration of Bognor Regis, helping to secure a long-term and positive future for the town.
Next steps
Some planned investigative work is scheduled for 30 January and will involve the use of a temporary small scaffold tower or cherry picker, to provide safe access for a specialist contractor to inspect the clock above The Arcade. Following this inspection, which has been timed to ensure minimum disruption to events taking place in the town centre, t he contractor will determine whether onsite repairs are possible that day or the clock needs to be removed for off-site work.
Any repairs will be carried out with the aim of preserving and safeguarding the historic and heritage value of the clock and the wider site. This investigative work is separate from, and does not form part of, the consented regeneration work for The Arcade. Ahead of the start of the main regeneration programme, a period of pre-construction activity will be needed, including detailed scoping, surveys, and coordination, to ensure all necessary preparatory work is completed before full construction begins.
The project is being led by the Arun District Council's Regeneration Team, working closely with tenants and stakeholders to minimise disruption and ensure regular updates are provided as works progress.
For any inquiries regarding the ongoing enabling work or the future plans for The Arcade, please contact Arun District Council's community representatives, DevComms, at arcade-bognorregis@devcomms.co.uk or on 0800 080 3178.
Notes to Editors
The regeneration plans comprise the complete refurbishment and extension of The Arcade's upper floors, (which are currently vacant) and creation of around 35 character town centre apartments, alongside additional ground floor retail space and external amenity space, whilst also restoring and preserving wherever possible the original features of this grand old building, which first opened in 1902.
Arun District Council's planning committee voted unanimously in support of a resolution to grant planning permission subject to conditions on 14 January.
Rejuvenation of The Arcade will directly benefit its shops and services in the long term by creating additional footfall. This will help to generate extra spending in The Arcade's shops and restaurants and wider adjacent areas, as well as contributing to the growth of the evening economy in the town.
The building will undergo significant enhancements to improve its aesthetic appeal and visual attractiveness, as well as making it fully weatherproof, to ensure it stands the test of time. These renovations will not only improve energy efficiency, they will also enhance the overall image of the town centre. Additionally, rejuvenation of The Arcade will strengthen this key link between the town centre and the seafront, creating a more seamless and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Media Enquiries
arcade-bognorregis@devcomms.co.uk or 0800 080 3178