Arun DC’s press release on Bognor Regis consultation
The long-awaited public consultation into the regeneration plans for Bognor Regis town centre will begin on November 21st, 2012.
Arun District Council’s preferred partner St. Modwen will unveil its proposals for the Regis Centre site on 21st and everyone will be able to have their say.
In parallel with this, it is the Council’s intention to invite comments on exciting plans to upgrade the Alexandra Theatre and proposed uses on the Hothamton site. Together, the proposals are expected to help drive forward much needed improvements to the town centre.
Council Leader Mrs Gillian Brown said: “I know that people have been waiting for a long time for this consultation. St. Modwen and the Council did not want to stand before the public unless they were both certain that the scheme could attract interest from occupiers that will make a positive difference. We are in the very exciting position where good levels of demand exist for the intended uses and therefore, now is the time to seek public opinion through comprehensive consultation.
“This marks a true turning point for Bognor Regis and I really do not think it is overstating things to say that we are now standing at the edge of a really exciting future for the town.
“That future, the jobs that this scheme could create and the prosperity it will bring, is now in the hands of the people who it will affect, which is only right.”
Mrs Brown added: “We promised from the outset that no decisions would be made without the public being considered. Therefore, over the next few weeks we will be working up the finer details of the consultation, including several public events where people will be able to come along to find out more.
“This will be one of the most important consultations for Bognor Regis in recent years. We will work to ensure all parts of Bognor Regis and the District are heard.”
The types of uses and indicative form of the scheme will be revealed by St. Modwen as part of the consultation, and the public’s feedback will then be used to develop and enhance the plans.
Details about the consultation in November will be available from www.arun.gov.uk/haveyoursay and carried by the local media over the coming weeks.
St. Modwen’s Regional Director for London and the South East, Tim Seddon, added: “The regeneration of the Regis Centre site is a significant opportunity to improve Bognor Regis and represents a major investment that will create hundreds of jobs. We want a scheme for Bognor Regis which everyone can be proud of.
“We are keen to work with local residents, businesses and all those who have an interest in Bognor Regis’ future development and look forward to hearing people’s views during the consultation. These views will be extremely important in shaping our future plans.”