Regeneration decision made for Bognor Regis
The regeneration of Bognor Regis takes another significant step forward as members of the Policy and Finance Committee support recommendations regarding the leasehold of the Regis Centre.
This will allow the refurbishment and extension of the Alexandra Theatre to progress and the delivery of a brand new hotel on the seafront at Bognor Regis.
The recommendation put to councillors at the committee meeting on 6 September 2022 was to secure the surrender of the long lease of the Regis Centre from Whitbread PLC, which includes the current restaurant / pub and Alexandra Theatre. This agreement will also result in the construction, by Whitbread, of a new 102-bedroom Premier Inn hotel on the south-eastern corner of the Regis Centre car park site, just south of the Town Hall.
The council was recently awarded £19.4m from the Levelling Up Fund and £12.2m of this is being used to extend and refurbish the Alexandra Theatre.
Members of the committee also supported the recommendation for an additional £3m to be contributed by the council to the Alexandra Theatre project. Unprecedented rising inflation and supplier costs have caused the project costs to increase, and this funding will ensure the successful delivery and completion of the project. This recommendation will be taken to Full Council on 14 September 2022 for a decision.
With plans for the work to begin on the theatre in spring of 2023, this is a significant development in shaping the future of Bognor Regis and the facilities that will be available for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
Hazel Latus, BEM, Chairman on behalf of Arun Arts Co Ltd said: “This is an exciting time for us as we are now one step closer to our plans for a top class, modern, multifunctional cultural space coming to fruition. The new theatre and workspaces will offer bigger, brighter, more accessible and much more energy efficient facilities.
“We know that, should the project be given the thumbs up at Full Council, and to see the delivery and completion of the refurbishment of the theatre, we will have some disruption to our services whilst the work on the building progresses. We are working hard on plans to minimise the impact of that and ensure that the vital community groups, that currently use our studios, can continue their amazing work in the interim. The refurbished and extended theatre will be a great asset to the town and community”
Cllr Shaun Gunner, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee said:
“Its great news that Cllrs have endorsed the plans for millions of pounds of investment in Bognor Regis, which will deliver a modern new theatre and cultural centre, worthy of our lovely seaside town. This will also bring a brand new hotel which will see tens of thousands of visitors coming to the town, helping the area - proper regeneration in action.”