Regeneration in Littlehampton
Littlehampton Regeneration
Recent major regeneration projects such as the East Bank redevelopment at Littlehampton harbour have had a transformational effect on this quintessential English seaside town. The true assets of the town, Blue Flag beach, functioning harbour and busy town centre are apparent to all. The potential for business growth and relocation are also evident. Future property development opportunities are being brought forward and the town has a clear vision for how it wants to improve and the changes that need to be made.
New Café and Water Sports venue to be launched on Littlehampton seafront
Planning consent has been given for a new café and water sports venue set to begin development on Littlehampton seafront in Spring 2019. The venue will be located on the seafront opposite the Skate Park where the under-used promenade shelter is currently situated. The venue will offer customers the opportunity to have a meal while enjoying the fantastic sea views. The facility, which is yet to be named, will fill an important gap in the market, linking the venue to the main visitor seafront, Littlehampton Wave leisure facilities and Mewsbrook Park, making this area of seafront more appealing.”
The facility will offer kite surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons, as well as on-site amenities such as toilets, showers, shelter and cycle racks with an investment of £500k, creating 10 full time jobs and 12 part-time jobs for the area.
We are advised that building contractors are in the process of being appointed and works are expected to start soon after, with the proposed build programme expected to take at least six months.
Littlehampton town centre management
The vision for Littlehampton town centre is to increase its vitality and viability as a place to visit, shop and to do business. Littlehampton has a thriving town centre with a wide range of independent, national and family run businesses.
Arun District Council has been working with a landscape consultancy to create detailed public realm designs to enhance Littlehampton Town Centre’s and improve the appeal, connectivity, look and feel. Following a series of focus group meetings with stakeholders and further public consultation, the Public Realm Design Proposals was approved by Full Council. The Council submitted a revised application for a reduced version of the scheme to the Coastal Communities Fund. Funding was agreed for the area from Littlehampton Railway station through the High Street and precinct to the junction of East Street. Work is scheduled to start towards the end of 2019. A supplementary application has been submitted to the Local Enterprise Partnership for funding to extend the scheme to East Street through Beach Road to the junction of the roundabout facing the War Memorial. A decision on this will be made in September 2019.
The below images provide an illustration of the original design, plus a map of the funded area.
Littlehampton seafront design scheme
Vibrant new concept designs have been created which give a flavour of how parts of Littlehampton could look in the future. The set of illustrations show aspirations for the Seafront Greens and promenade, alongside areas which link the town, riverside and seafront parts of the town.
The dramatic artist’s impressions are a result of public consultation carried out in the spring to discover how residents would like to see Littlehampton transformed. This second phase of the design project, which was funded by a Coastal Revival grant, followed on from work already undertaken in the town centre. Having the designs in place will help to enable the Council to apply for external funding in the future with the vision of turning the plans into a reality.
“The East Bank regeneration has proved extremely popular with locals and visitors alike, and we are pleased that these conceptual design principles have been supported. With designs as strong as these, we stand a much better chance of attracting external funding to help deliver projects which rejuvenate Littlehampton seafront.” The conceptual proposals have been developed by LDA Design; Landscape Architects previously appointed to work with the Council to deliver the award-winning East Bank scheme and the design plans for Littlehampton town centre, which the Council aims to develop as and when funding is secured.
East Bank Tidal Flood Defence Scheme
The Littlehampton East Bank Flood Defence scheme has been a major development for the town, costing in the region of £19 million, that will significantly reduce tidal flood risk. The Environment Agency, in partnership with Arun District Council, has now completed the scheme (April 2015), offering a stunning public realm finish which will significantly support the regeneration of the town. New lighting, seating and bins have been provided, together with improved railings, planting and surface finishes.
The Environment Agency secured Government funding to replace the ageing flood defences between the mouth of the harbour to upstream of the A259 bridge. This new flood defence wall along the riverside will reduce tidal flood risk to more than 1,900 residential and over 500 commercial properties over the next 100 years, allowing for climate change.
Since the new East Bank walkway has been opened, the attractive area has now become very popular with visitors and the local community making the whole waterfront experience more appealing, better linking the town with the existing seafront promenade.
West bank development
West Bank has the potential to provide a significant regeneration scheme on the banks of Littlehampton harbour. Its close proximity to the river and coast gives the opportunity to revitalise the area in a way that complements its surroundings and natural assets. The Council would like to explore ideas for regeneration and develop planning policy that provides landowners and developers with clear guidance. The vision is to create a new quarter that combines, new homes, businesses, recreation, public space, footpaths, innovation, culture and heritage.
Further information
If you would like to learn more about the decision making process, please visit our regeneration sub committee page.