2 Bognor Regis priorities
The Growth Programme outlines improving public realm and infrastructure in Bognor Regis as a priority. Bognor Regis public realm includes enhancing the link from the railway station through the town centre and down to the seafront by improving lighting, paving and planting.
Alexandra Theatre
WSCC are supporting ADC to develop their plans for the Alexandra Theatre. The redevelopment of the theatre is a focal point in the holistic culture-led vision for Bognor Regis. The theatre acts as a catalyst for wider investment in the area including the Bognor Regis esplanade scheme led by WSCC and the Place St Maur scheme.
Combined with significant investment of £12.2m from the successful LUF bid, ADC are contributing a further £3m to develop the theatre into the cultural centre of the district.
These plans include increasing seating to 386 seats, improving its look and feel, improving the building’s energy efficiency, adding up to 2,700sqm of additional arts/cultural floor space and five new studios to provide a space for local community groups to prosper. Find the latest information on this new development.
Place St Maur
The works to Place St Maur, adjacent to The Alexandra Theatre, are an example of these improvements. Coast to Capital have supported this project with £1.2m from the Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ aimed at improving the space. Works on the site completed last year and partners are developing plans for other projects in the area.
Bognor Regis Esplanade Public Realm Improvements scheme
The Bognor Regis Esplanade Public Realm Improvements scheme (BREPRI), funded by WSCC, will complement the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) funding.
This scheme will continue to:
- enhance the place-making of the esplanade and the area in front of Place St Maur and Alexandra Theatre
- improve highway crossing points between the beach and town, creating a more accessible and connected community space
- improve connectivity between the esplanade, the current Place St Maur improvement scheme, the planned renovation of the Alexander Theatre, Bognor Regis arcade and the seafront - all to enhance the experience for visitors.
On 23 May 2024, WSCC published a Key Decision approving detailed design and the commencement of the procurement process, and allocating £1.369 million of capital funds to the project's delivery.
The project commenced construction on Monday 4 November 2024 and is expected to complete in early April 2025. Find more information including weekly updates and FAQs.
Enterprise Bognor Regis
There are plans for a business park to the north of Bognor Regis. This will provide space for new businesses and will also allow existing businesses room to grow or space for relocation. Find further information on Arun.gov.uk.
Brownfield Land Release Fund projects
As part of the One Public Estate programme, funding has been granted for the demolition of Bartons Infants School, Bersted, and enabling works to Bognor Regis arcade to prepare it for future refurbishment.
The funding comes from the Brownfield Land Release Fund which is a cross-government initiative to provide financial support to district and boroughs to prepare derelict sites for development. This is often in the form of demolition of the existing building, decontamination and enabling works.
With regards to Bartons Infants School and Bognor Regis arcade, following site preparation, partners propose to provide affordable housing on both sites.