New Bognor Regis Alexandra Arts Centre takes major steps forward ahead of spring 2027 opening
Work on the new Alexandra Arts Centre in Bognor Regis has made significant progress over the summer, with the building increasingly taking shape ahead of its planned opening in Spring 2027.
Externally, below-ground brickwork and masonry have been completed, while work on the building’s external fabric has continued. Painting and decoration of the exterior has progressed, giving passers-by an increasingly clear impression of the finished arts centre.
Further sections of the glazed façade have also been completed, with the installation of windows and curtain walling continuing across the building. Templates have been produced for the feature banding and windowsills, with manufacture of these decorative details now under way. The roofing programme has also reached an important milestone, with the final items of standing-seam roofing completed.
Inside, significant progress has been made across the performance and communal spaces. Decoration has been carried out in the main auditorium and on the stage, while studios two, three and four have been fully decorated. Decoration of the first-floor communal areas has also been completed.
Specialist building services are progressing alongside the main construction work. Automatic opening vent (AOV) systems, which form an important part of the building’s fire safety and ventilation strategy, have been installed. Work has continued in the main plant room and electrical intake, while an external acoustic enclosure has been manufactured and is ready for installation.
The internal fit-out is also gathering pace. Dry lining works have continued to define the building’s internal layout, screed has been completed in studio five and flooring has been laid in the backstage areas.
The next phase, during September and October, will see the project move further into specialist fit-out. Theatre specialists will begin cabling and wiring across all areas of the building, marking a major step towards installing the technical infrastructure needed for performances.
Joinery works will also begin, while internal doors are due to be delivered and installed. Ceiling works will progress too, with dry lining extending overhead alongside the installation of lay-in grid ceilings in relevant areas.
A spokesperson for Arun District Council said: “Completion of all workstreams from the summer period will be completed as the programme advances. The project team will review and plan the final fit items, setting the course for the finishing phase of the construction programme.
“With the auditorium taking shape, the specialist fit out is about to begin, and the exterior of the building increasingly reflecting its finished appearance, the Alexandra Arts Centre is entering one of the most exciting and visible periods of its construction journey.
“The team looks forward to sharing further updates as the project continues to progress toward its Spring 2027 opening.”