Huge funding boost for improvements to ‘critically important’ Bognor Regis seafront site

The money, from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will see Place St Maur brought to life with new seating, soft landscaping, water jets and a flexible venue for outdoor events.

At a meeting of the cabinet on Monday (November 16), leader Dr James Walsh said the money was 99 per cent certain and had been ‘provisionally approved’.

Councillors agreed this was ‘stunningly good news’, with one saying the area next to the Regis Centre had ‘looked appalling’ for years.

Work needs to progress swiftly as, under the terms of the funding agreement, the money has to be spent by March 31 2022.

As part of the funding agreement with Coast to Capital, the council has to provide £370,000, which will be taken from earmarked reserves.

After the meeting, Matt Stanley, cabinet member for technical services, said “The progress regarding the funding for the redevelopment of this site is fantastic news for the people of Bognor Regis.

“The Place St Maur is a critically important seafront site, it is the linchpin between the seafront and the town centre and it has been overlooked for far too long.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of investing in this area, the aspiration will be to transform it into a prime multi purpose outdoor events and dwell space.

“This project is the kick-start Bognor Regis Regeneration has been crying out for and it has the potential to deliver far reaching social and economic benefits for the town.”