Councillor backs plans to restore Bognor Regis Arcade

Arun District and Bognor Town Councillor Francis Oppler said he recently had the opportunity to tour the upper floors of the Arcade in his role as a district councillor and was concerned by the condition of the building.

He said the condition of the vacant areas was difficult to see.

“The Arcade is such an important building for Bognor Regis. It has been a central part of the town for over 120 years,” he said.

“It was heartbreaking to see the state of the building it is now in.”

The refurbishment plans being developed by Arun District Council are primarily focused on bringing the currently vacant upper floors back into use, including the creation of residential apartments.

The proposals also include restoring the distinctive Edwardian turrets at the High Street entrance, improving the building’s upper-floor exterior and refurbishing the Belmont Street entrance and retail units.

A new retail unit is also proposed, while further improvements to the ground floor are being explored, subject to funding.

A planning application was submitted in 2025 following public engagement, and the project has since progressed through detailed design and development work.

An Arcade Update Report was considered by Arun District Council’s Economy Committee on September 10, 2026, accompanied by architectural, heritage and CGI documents.

Cllr Oppler said: “I fully support the investment that Arun District Council is putting into the Arcade. We need to preserve this vital part of our heritage for years to come.”

The Arcade forms part of the wider regeneration programme for Bognor Regis. Previous council funding has also been used to prepare the building for future refurbishment.

The main refurbishment works have not yet commenced.