Watersports centre talks still continue

Butlin’s and Arun District Council are carrying on their discussions about the potential leisure attraction on the seafront.

The Observer heard rumours the project, to be sited on the car parks in Gloucester Road, had been scrapped.

Reasons given included the strength of the tide, the expected seasonal nature of demand for the facility and the poor state of the sea water.

But Karl Roberts, Arun’s assistant director for planning and economic regeneration, said yesterday: “We are continuing to discuss the development of a water sports centre with Butlin’s.”

This was also confirmed by Butlin’s. The multi-million pound project is seen as part of Bognor’s regeneration.

A study by the University of Chichester showed the centre was a possibility and the university, Butlin’s and Arun agreed to jointly pursue the proposals.

No definite plans have yet been published but it is likely to benefit windsurfers and canoeists. A wave machine could also be installed. But parking will have to be found.