Bognor marina hopes dealt a fatal blow

The Observer can reveal that the multi-million pound scheme is unlikely to be built.

At one time, the seafront proposal was seen as being a major component of the town's regeneration.

The Crown Estates, which owns the seabed and much of the foreshore, would be an important partner in any such scheme.

But the company has told Arun District Council it is not interested in paying for any of the costly preliminary work needed before any firm proposals for a marina could be prepared.

It insisted that local funding had to be found for the millions of pounds required. This rules out the council, which has always sought private sector investment to save its budget bearing the strain of the large-scale funding.

Richard McMann, the council's Bognor Regis regeneration task force co-ordinator, said: "This will be an enormous piece of work.

"Effectively, it is being put on one side. That does not mean there will not be anything done about it.

"But it will not progress at the same rate as the rest of the regeneration programme placed before councillors.

"It has always been stated that, unless all the partners involved play their part in this, it will be very difficult for Arun '“ or any single partner '“ to move this forward to any noticeable speed."

Felpham parish councillor Connie Reid said: "The main concern if the marina went ahead was that, while it would possibly be fantastic for Bognor, it could swamp Felpham's seafront.

"We have an almost 1930s feel along there with beach huts, the sailing club and two restaurants which make a traditional area enjoyed by visitors and residents. A lot of people appreciate that and the marina could badly affect it."

The news that marina proposals have been effectively sunk ends more than four years of uncertainty.

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