We stay on the town overshadowed by Butlins – new £1.3m scheme may assist | UK | News | EUROtoday

A £1.3million “public realm improvement project” is presently underway to remodel Bognor Regis promenade into a brand new and enhanced group area – however locals aren’t satisfied that it’s going to impact a lot change for the seaside city as soon as voted worst within the UK.

Construction started alongside the seafront stretch from Lennox Street to Clarence Road in October, with what now resembles a constructing web site quickly to grow to be a walkway bordered by inexperienced rain gardens with new pedestrian crossings and a 20 mph pace restrict.

The scheme may also ship improved pedestrian and disabled entry between the promenade and the seafront, a walkway between parked automobiles and the ocean wall, new vegetation and extra seating and litter bins.

Once accomplished in April 2025, it is going to be a part of a wider council-funded regeneration effort to create “a more accessible and connected community space” – however these strolling up and down the promenade on a dark December afternoon weren’t overly optimistic concerning the “run down” seaside city’s buying and selling future.

Alan Johnson, 69, who has lived in Bognor for over 20 years, can not stroll after his backbone collapsed whereas he was working within the constructing commerce. A extra accessible route between the seashore and the city centre must be a welcome function of the brand new scheme – besides that the retiree has no incentive to move into city, he instructed Express.co.uk.

He mentioned: “Bognor’s gone downhill, especially when it comes to things to do. You come here for half a day and you’ve seen it all. The only thing the town’s good for is the Butlins, so it’s better for the tourists than anyone else.

“Any work they’re doing can’t be a bad thing – it’s got to be better than what we’ve got now. This is just the lowest of the low. Although I don’t have much hope – I think it’ll be an average success at the very best.”

Dan Lyons, 48, who moved to Bognor two years in the past and works as a monetary planner, additionally thinks his native space “needs something” – describing it as “a bit rundown” in comparison with his former residence of Worthing, one other seaside city simply down the street.

He mentioned: “I try not to go into town too much, to be honest. I just walk along the seafront and back. It’s always dead around here unless it’s the summer, when it’s packed with all the people from Butlins.

“I think part of the problem is the lack of things for young people to do – I’ve got kids and other than a few parks, they’re just bored. If they put some money into it, it could be different but I don’t know if it’ll bring lots of people in. It probably would be more for the locals, because Butlins is already plugging that tourist gap.”

Chloe Martin, who lives close to Reading, is one such vacationer who’s braving the wet December climate on a seaside Butlins break along with her younger household.

The 28-year-old mentioned it was proper that the scheme was targeted on renovating the seaside space – describing that as the world’s important attraction except for the children actions laid on on the vacation resort.

She instructed Express.co.uk: “We haven’t really been into the town. But it’s always nice to be by the sea. And whenever I see that work is underway somewhere, I think it should be seen as a positive thing.

“It shows where your council tax money is going and it should have some improvement for the town. I think some people are never going to be happy and will always find something to complain about. We’re just enjoying getting some fresh air.”

Councillor Steven Waight, Cabinet Member for Support Services and Economic Development at West Sussex County Council, added: “This project marks a significant investment in making Bognor Regis a top destination for visitors looking to explore everything the town has to offer while regenerating our seafront for residents.

“The work is part of the wider Arun Growth Deal and supports the priorities in ‘Our Council Plan’ of creating a sustainable and prosperous economy which cements the county council’s commitment with Arun District Council’s to support Bognor Regis.”