VOTE: Regeneration hit by funding blow

Richard McMann conceded although his four-strong group will face considerable challenges when it is reduced by two-and-a-half posts in March, it will remain dedicated to assisting much-needed schemes in the town.

Hopes had been raised the task force's work '“ which was formed as a two-year project to liaise with major investment plans including the St Modwen seafront and Hothamton sites, Bognor Regis Community College and Butlins community schemes '“ could be extended.

But after Arun District Council voted to extend the group's lifespan in reduced form until 2011, it has confirmed it is not in a position to assist the force further as it faces major service cutbacks of 3.2m.

Mr McMann, whose team operates from a base at Bognor Regis Town Hall, believed the group was continuing to make a strong contribution to a range of redevelopment schemes.

He said: "I'm extremely proud of the work which the team has done and we will be losing some very experienced people from the team.

"It will mean we cannot do as much as we previously achieved but we will have to prioritise our workload. But many of the schemes with which we have been involved are already well under way, though we've a lot more work to do over the next 15 months.

"The task force was originally set up to run until 2009 '“ that has been extended to 2010 and now will continue until 2011."

In spite of his optimism, considerable concerns remain concerning the most contentious elements of regeneration in the town, namely the seafront and Hothamton sites from St.Modwen.

The developer has been given until March 2012 to present its masterplan for the site in light of the recession, which has severely set back redevelopment schemes across the country.

But the Civic Society has argued early consultation on its plans is required in order to arrive at the best outcome for the town.

It fears the 500-seat arts facility promised as part of the Regis centre redevelopment site may not become a reality as the economy continues to struggle.

Its deputy leader Hugh Coster said: "While the task force has done some good work we do not believe it has focused enough on the town centre Regis Centre sites.

"We do not believe it is beyond a company of the size of St Modwen to produce concept drawingsat an early stage.

"We have written to Gillian Brown asking for proper debate to take place before this two-and-a-half year deadline they have.

"We have just received a lengthy reply which in so many words says they are not willing to hold debates on the plans."

In response, Mr McMann confirmed St Modwen would, in fact, be holding consultation with residents. But this would not take place until it had further monitored market conditions.

Mr McMann added: "The development agreement that St Modwen has signed remains the same '“ it's just the timeline has been extended.

"We are looking for a mixed-use development. If they were to come back to us and say they purely wanted flats there we would reject this as it does not meet the brief."

A spokesperson for St Modwen said: "We continue to monitor the market with a view to producing a scheme for the two sites based on the original council approved brief.

"At this point in time market conditions are still proving to be challenging but, at the appropriate time, we will of course seek the views of local people in a full and proper consultation process.

"As a company we always consult on development proposals and Bognor Regis will be no different."

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