St Modwen developer speaks out

The extent of the debate about the future of the Hothamton and Regis Centre sites has prompted the Observer and development company, St Modwen, to present another question and answer session concerning some of the most prominent issues in the minds of residents.

How will the proposals benefit existing businesses in Bognor Regis?

The proposals will provide a mix of new leisure, retail, offices and entertainment, attractive to residents and visitors alike. These new facilities, together with the occupiers of the new residential accommodation, will result in a significant increase in footfall to the area and thus generate more business and consumer spend. Early estimates suggest that the regeneration of the two sites could result in increased spend in the town in the order of 3m a year.

What are the benefits of closing off The Esplanade and how will traffic be managed?

Currently, the Promenade is very narrow which restricts the types and numbers of leisure activities that can take place on the seafront. By closing The Esplanade between Clarence Road and Waterloo Square to traffic, it will be possible to create pockets of quiet or busy activity for all ages amid an inspiring seafront landscape. Extensive traffic surveys and modelling are taking place to assess the potential alternative routes available. This work is being carried out in full consultation with West Sussex County Council and Arun District Council.

Will there be a sufficient car parking provision?

St Modwen's proposals and legal agreement with the district council provides for a greater number of publicly available car parking spaces than exist on the two sites. Additionally, Fitzleet multi-storey car park will be comprehensively refurbished to offer alternative, attractive and additional public spaces within the town centre. The legal agreement also requires that any specific residential and/or other designated car parking provisions will be provided in addition to the publicly available spaces.

Why are flats being proposed for the Regis Centre site?

Mixed-used development is an internationally recognised approach to successful physical regeneration and also enables the attraction of private sector finance to deliver the civic, commercial, cultural, leisure and entertainment facilities and improved public realm that would otherwise not be delivered due to the restrictions on the public purse.

Why is a tower being proposed on the Hothamton site?

Currently Fitzleet House is the dominant building/feature of the Bognor Regis skyline, and yet it is not a building with any attractive or redeeming features of quality to justify its representation as a Bognor Regis landmark.

If a building is to have such representation then it should in the first instance be designed especially for that role (regardless of its use) and be of a sufficiently high architectural and design quality to be recognised and acknowledged as a landmark building of distinction.

The size, detail and use of such a landmark building is far from determined and the issues raised will have to be considered as such details develop. Additionally, other issues will also form part of that consideration, such as wind effects and shadowing.

Why do the proposals include a new library?

St Modwen is in discussions with the county library service about possible options for its relocation. If the proposals for a new library were simply the provision of existing facilities but in a different location, there would be no reason to move them. However, along with supporting its existing loyal users, the library is looking to attract a new audience to use its facilities. To do this, the library will need not only new, 21st century facilities and services but also access to a greater number of people. A location near the seafront and a whole raft of new leisure uses and activity will help to bring these new visitors to the library.

What will the entertainment centre with live performance and cinema facilities bring to the town that it doesn't have now?

The entertainment centre will bring a unique leisure facility to Bognor Regis. This 'destination' venue can be used for drama performances and live music, quality cinema '“ possibly a different, 'art house' type venue '“ along with space for other uses such as conferences and galleries. The nature of the flexible uses for the entertainment centre will ensure that the facility is financially self-sustainable which will protect the ongoing provision of arts and live performance facilities in the town.

What other leisure facilities have been considered '“ will there be a hotel?

All types of leisure facilities have been considered and assessed in terms of the demand, long-term financial viability and ability of the schemes to accommodate them. We believe the options proposed will offer the best possible mix for Bognor Regis in terms of new leisure provision and the renewal of current leisure facilities.

The provision of a hotel as part of the scheme is still being considered. St Modwen is undertaking a study to assess the feasibility of hotel provision above the budget category.

Would it be possible to have more offices in the scheme?

The current proposals include office space for the county council, which could bring 250 extra people into the town. St Modwen has always stated that if there is real evidence of demand for further quality offices in the town centre, this could be accommodated within the development scheme. A study into office demand in the area is currently being prepared.

Has a food store operator been agreed for the Hothamton site?

St Modwen is in discussions with a number of operators regarding its proposals for a high-quality food store on the Hothamton site. No operator has yet been signed.