Museum would make an ideal landmark in town

The Museum of the South Coast could become the iconic building which the town was promised at the start of the revival consultations, the chamber of commerce's leader said.

President and chairman Nick Stuart Nicolson told the organisation's annual meeting that the seafront landmark would become a visitor attraction.

It would make the best use of the Regis Centre site described as Bognor's jewel in the crown and provide a fitting 21st century addition to the town.

He stated: 'After all, we now desperately need an innovative idea as St Modwen have only come up with a bowling alley and a large amount of flats so far.'

Museums were far from being places of dusty antiquity, he told the chamber's annual meeting on Monday.

The museum would fill the proposed location of the theatre/multi-purpose hall. He suggested this should go on the Hothamton site, or Fitzleet as he called it, off Queensway where the former Pavilion had once stood.

'This is hugely logical as it would enable the currently thriving and very popular theatre to continue to operate on its present seafront site until such time that it would seamlessly transfer to the new location. The Fitzleet site should also present better opportunities for a more realistic seating capacity than is currently being discussed. Also, the Fitzleet site already has the benefit of the existing multi-storey car park, which is to be improved and upgraded,' he stated.

He offered his alternative vision of the town's future in response to the growing disenchantment which he claimed was being felt around the town to the current proposals for the two key sites.

'In fact, the chamber observes increasing frustration with the package and apparent lack of vision,' he explained.

'However, we must be reminded that this is still only the start of the necessary consultation process.

'We can make a difference and we must not allow the current situation to tarnish our future.'

He stated that the chamber remained fully committed to the need for a renaissance of Bognor to help to ensure its future prosperity. It realised alternatives must be suggested to the current proposals rather than just criticisms.

Ian Harding, an executive committee member, said a seafront museum could become the national Seaside Heritage Centre which was talked about a few years ago.

Another committee member, Paul Wells, stated: 'If flats are the key to regeneration, where has it been over the past ten years with all the flats which have been built?'

Chamber member Mike Stevens stated: 'Regeneration will not happen with flats. There is too much bias towards flats in the plans. Over the years they have not helped to regenerate Bognor but jobs will.'

Town centre shop owner Rupert Harper added: 'Jobs will come if you make a town somewhere where people will want to do business.'