Regeneration developers 'not focused enough on job creation' according to Civic Society in Bognor

The Civic Society is calling on the developers behind Bognor Regis regeneration to include commercial operations for long-term job creation.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Oct 2009, 10:58 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 17:44 BST

Speaking at the group's latest meeting on Tuesday last week, chairman Laurie Barnes expressed concern key players in the process, and specifically property company St Modwen, were not focused enough on creating lasting employment with its 100m redevelopment scheme.

He said: "It seems as if Arun Council has side-stepped the issue of creating jobs as part of the regeneration.

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"There is talk of Sainsbury's bringing 400 jobs with its new site and maybe a couple of hundred with other schemes, but this is just a tiny amount. The town needs thousands, not hundreds of jobs."

Deputy chairman Hugh Coster highlighted the fact there remained a major shortage of office and commercial space in the town. This, he said, had resulted in a situation of 12,000 vehicle movements out of the town each day as residents commuted to find work, which has had a strong negative effect on the local economy.

He said it was vital Arun Council take up the challenge of acting as a driving force for creating long-term job opportunities in the town beyond short-term construction jobs involved with regeneration. Mr Coster re-emphasised the society's strong desire to see one of the key regeneration sites '“ the Regis Centre '“ retained for leisure purposes.

One resident, Gary Oakes, said if the site was not retained for leisure use it would 'be a disaster for the town'.

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The issue of regeneration is due to be discussed at a public meeting, which includes a question and answer session, with representatives of Sime Darby, Sainsbury's, the University of Chichester and Butlins.

It takes place on Monday, November 9 at Butlins' Shoreline conference centre from 7pm.

What do you think? Send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

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