Lec site plans would 'create jobs for Bognor Regis'

Former Lec Refrigeration owner Sime Darby London Ltd wants to hear the views of people about the best way to provide employment on part of the site.

The company has submitted outline plans to develop about 2.5 acres of the land between the A29 Shripney Road and the railway line for business uses.

Raof Daud, a director of the landowner, is interested in knowing which choices in the proposals receive most backing from the public

The responses will help the company to decide which of the options to pursue for a detailed planning application if the initial schemes gain approval from Arun District Council.

Mr Daud said he hoped the initial interest which saw hundreds of people comment about the future of the important location would continue.

"We received a huge amount of interest during the extensive consultation process. We are very grateful for the support received from the key stakeholders and local community.

"With their continued support, we hope to progress the applications to a successful outcome for this important gateway site.

"Our aspiration is to provide a sustainable after use for the land, based on a Sainsbury's supermarket and employment generating uses," he stated.

The business premises will fit alongside the intended Sainsbury's store, which is the subject of a separate planning application. Between them, they will cover the entire 10.5 acres or so of derelict factory buildings.

The proposals:

These are the outline proposals by Sime Darby to create jobs at the site.

The firm proposes to develop a new 20,000sq ft building near the railway line.

This has two possibilities:

* to create an industrial unit which can be used to house firms moving from around the town or to attract a new business; or

* to create a flexible business centre. This would have space for incubator units to support student entrepreneurs or individuals wishing to start businesses.

Whichever option is chosen, Sime Darby proposes to keep the Widdowson Building, the brick building next to Clock Park, to provide 20,000sq ft of industrial space. This houses Polestar Cooling Ltd. The company employs about 30 highly-skilled workers, from the local area, making specialised refrigerators.

These are used for medical, marine and commercial purposes and continues the 60-year legacy of fridge-making on the site.

Mr Daud can be contacted by going to www.simedarby.co.uk

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