Watersports centre mooted for Bognor

A study to develop an international class centre for sporting and leisure activities on the waves is to begin.

The investigation will see the University of Chichester and Butlins join forces with Arun District Council for the first time to see if the seafront facility would be a realistic boost to the town.

It will take a year to produce the final report.

Professor Sandra Jowett, the university's pro vice- chancellor, told councillors: "This is an example of the exciting things we can do together.

"It shows the university and Butlins pulling in the same direction.

"We have a real expertise in tourism, leisure and sport between us."

In a statement, Butlins' Bognor resort director Jeremy Pardey stated: "I believe the introduction of a watersports facility could work for both the local vicinity as well as attracting new customers to the beautiful south coast of England."

Backing for the report to begin was given by Arun's Bognor Regis sub-committee.

The 60,000 cost of the initiative will be equally split between the three partners.

The university has an Olympic standard reputation for its sports work, which should be heading to Bognor as part of the expansion of the town's campus.

Butlins also has more than 60 years' experience as a leading holiday provider.

It is likely the exploration of the centre will focus on siting it in the Gloucester Road car parks.

One aspect to be overcome is the need to cope with the high flooding risk of that low-lying area.

The work on the report will be led by Professor Michael Hitchcock, who is experienced in tourism, heritage and leisure.

Arun's leader, Cllr Gill Brown, said the centre would start to capitalise on Bognor's seafront. "This is a really exciting project.

"As a district, we have never made the best of the biggest asset we have.

"This is a real community partnership and shows that regeneration is moving forward," she commented.

Cllr Trevor Bence (Bognor Pevensey) said: "This is an absolutely fantastic idea. It is a good opportunity to involve the university."

Richard McMann, Arun's Bognor regeneration task force co-ordinator, said a first-class watersports centre in Bognor would offer many benefits to the town.

They included creating a well-recognised quality provision which attracted high-quality and high-profile visitors, who would spend more than the usual day trippers.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP