'Keep Regis Centre site free of flats'

The group marked yesterday'ssigning ceremony for the redevelopment of the key location by repeating the demands for no more residential accommodation.

St Modwen Properties's chief executive, Bill Oliver, and Arun District Council leader, Cllr Gill Brown, put pen to paper to seal the development agreement for the land and the Hothamton site off Queensway.

But the civic society has written to Mr Oliver to remind him that 10,158 people had signed a petition a few years ago rejecting flats on the Regis Centre site. They wanted the land used for leisure purposes only.

This view was repeated at a packed civic society meeting in October when the proposal for 168 flats on the site included in St Modwen's initial proposals were rejected by those present.

No financial justification for the flats has been provided, says CiViC.

But they should be located on the Hothamton site, if they should prove to be necessary, to leave the seafront plot free for leisure uses.

CiViC also reminded Mr Oliver that residents at the meeting voted to retain a performing arts/theatre on the Regis Centre site.

They also wanted The Esplanade to remain open and that the library should stay in London Road.

CiViC has also called for a prestigious landmark building to be placed on the Regis Centre site to provide a range of all-weather year round leisure activities for residents and visitors.

Deputy chairman Hugh Coster said: 'This could incorporate a high quality performing arts centre/theatre.

'It could also include other leisure activities, plus shops, cafes, exhibition and performance areas and much else besides.'

He called on St Modwen to test the best architectural brains by holding a competition to produce a building to enhance Bognor and provide an eye-catching addition to the seafront.