Updates on improvements for two key Bognor Regis sites

Arun District Council is exploring plans to revamp the Sunken Gardens and separately upgrade the public realm at Place St Maur on the seafront. Updates to both projects are set to be discussed by cabinet members on Monday (November 16). The Sunken Gardens scheme will concentrate on enhancing the quality of the landscape, while retaining features within the existing footprint of the site, according to officers. Proposals will include the removal of the play area and a new facility within the site, a new southern entrance, refurbishment of the planting borders and a review of seating. According to a project scope report: “The site suffers from anti-social behaviour which can deter families from visiting therefore it is hoped that a fresh approach will reverse this trend and create a destination for both locals and visitors. “The site is in a good strategic location within Bognor Regis with important linkages to the surrounding area including the train station, high street, pier and seafront. This emphasises the importance of delivering a scheme to a high standard.” Allocated funding for the project is £500,000. The document also describes how the project should take into account the tradition feel and layout of the Sunken Gardens, which should be retained and enhanced as well as the need for the site to be flexible and have winter appeal. Meanwhile the Place St Maur project includes plans to enhance the hard surfacing, create an area of soft landscaping alongside new water jets, lighting, seating and a flexible space to accommodate different events. A solution would also be sought to deal with the area’s poor drainage. A funding application has been submitted to Coast to Capital for the Government’s ‘Get Building Fund’ totalling £1.2million with £370,000 of Arun partnership funding proposed. Cabinet members are being asked to sign off the project proposal for the Place St Maur and approve the scope of the Sunken Gardens project.