Delayed £3m Bognor theatre scheme back on the table

Proposals to redevelop the theatre in Bognor Regis are again underway.

The 3m scheme is to be formally publicised again almost a year after it was unveiled.

The delay has been caused by the need to consult with the Environment Agency about the plans because of the theatre's location on the seafront.

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The proposals have had to take into account the effects of the predicted rise in sea level in the next century.

The delay, after the application was submitted to Arun District Council last September, means the scheme is now able to be considered by councillors at last in the coming months.

The proposals have been compiled by the Arun Arts charity, which operates the Regis Centre including the Alexandra Theatre, as an alternative to knocking down the building.

Centre general manager Adam Cunard said he was confident the scheme would be a viable alternative to the regeneration proposals which involve building a new entertainment complex.

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"I appreciate this is not the most attractive building in the town," Mr Cunard told the latest meeting of Bognor Regis Civic Society held in the centre. "But I don't think it's the ugliest either."

He said recladding the exterior with plastic panels, glass and perspex would create a completely different exterior.

"This can certainly look like a brand new building. We understand the character of the building and want to get rid of the 'boxy' look and this could be done with the existing building. It has been done successfully with other buildings."

The improvements would extend to the building's interior. The number of seats would be increased from 365 to 520 by extending the auditorium into the existing projection room. This would be moved elsewhere by using techniques such as back projection.

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A full flytower for complex scenery changes would also be built to enable touring productions to be staged there.

An information desk, larger foyer, a new position for the cafe and bar and better exhibition and rehearsal space are also envisaged.

Mr Cunard said he was sure the finances were available to carry out the work in phases. Arun Arts' backer, Harold Winton, was prepared to spend more money and was confident he could raise the rest in spite of the credit crunch.

But he said the current situation, where the theatre was the prime site for the town's regeneration by developer St Modwen Properties, and its planning application had yet to be decided make it difficult to announce firm decisions.

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"We are in limbo at the moment but the longer we stay here, the harder it will be to move us. Everyday, we're getting stronger and we're getting more support," he stated.

He said Arun Arts had recently had its lease of more than 30 years for the Regis Centre site valued at 7.5m. This is the amount which St Modwen and the district council would have to match if it wants to buy out Arun Arts.

The district council, the site owner, could alternatively seek the legal remedy of a compulsory purchase order for the building.