Place St Maur project in home stretch
The final stage of the project to transform Place St Maur is now underway with areas of the new design set to be open to the public very soon.
Paving stones and trees and shrubs have been delivered to the site in Bognor Regis ready to be installed, with seating and planter walls under construction.
To date, most of the work has been carried out underground including the pipework and tank systems being put in place ready to operate the water jets – just one of the features of this exciting project to invigorate the tired space of land next to the Regis Centre.
After Easter, coloured tarmac will be laid by contractors, Ground Control Ltd, who won the tender to deliver the project after Arun District Council was awarded £1.2 million by Coast to Capital following a successful funding bid.
They are working with specialists The Fountain Workshop on the water feature elements of the scheme.
This has been a challenging project to deliver on the ground which has needed careful excavation work and experienced some material supply issues, but it is still on course to be ready by the spring as promised.
Councillor Shaun Gunner, Leader of Arun District Council, said:
“This work is just one step in the transformation of the seafront in Bognor Regis. We have replaced a slab of tarmac with a new plaza with lovely trees and planting, practical seating, and a fun and usable space that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
“I know the project has been a challenge, but it will be well worth it when people get to enjoy the space and take part in some of the events happening there. And, with the works to the Alexandra Theatre and Regis Centre, we are going to really build back Bognor!”
When finished, the area will feature a flexible plaza area with wave patterned surfacing and central water jets to be lit at night, along with shallow pools for water play. The area will also be able to host events.
On the edges of the site, coastal planting will sit alongside new seating, made from materials associated with the beach such as pebbles and timber. There will also be areas for outdoor café tables and chairs.
For more information about the Place St Maur project – and other projects the council is delivering throughout Arun – visit www.arun.gov.uk/regeneration-economic-devlopment