Work to restore historic bandstand in Bognor Regis set to begin

Due to begin in early July, the restoration project involves replacing missing metalwork sections and cleaning and redecorating the existing metalwork, along with replacing the concrete floor with a decorative tiled floor.

The existing ceiling will be replaced with one more in keeping with the original design, and new lighting will be installed which will highlight the structure when it is being used for events or to host bands.

The yellow brick plinth will be replaced with a red brick plinth to blend better with its surroundings and a permanent disabled access ramp will be built at the same time to enable wheelchair-users to enjoy the seafront landmark.

Funding for the work, totalling £49,864, was secured last year from the Coastal Revival Fund grant – read more here.

Councillor Matt Stanley, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Technical Services, said: “We had to put this restoration project on hold due to the Covid- 19 pandemic so we’re delighted to be announcing that the work is set to start

really soon.

“The bandstand is an important part of the town’s heritage and we can’t wait to see it restored back to its former glory and, if everything goes to plan, unveiled to the public later this year.”

Funded by Arun District Council and the grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the contract is being delivered by Falcon Homes, a local Bognor Regis contractor, and is expected to last for around five

months.

In order to keep the public safe, the site will be kept behind hoardings decorated with the history of the bandstand.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.