Most Bognorians oppose tower block of flats

The first official survey into the proposals to regenerate the town centre showed that 63 per cent, or 388 replies, of those who took part said the idea of the building of at least 25 storeys was poor or not very good.

Those against the plan for the Hothamton site were concerned it would be out of keeping for the town and questioned the need for more flats.

The remaining 37 per cent felt the tower block was a very good, good or satisfactory idea.

They wanted it to be well designed and made of high quality materials to reflect its status as a new focal point.

The responses were among the total number of 653 replies which developer St Modwen received from its January public exhibition about the regeneration ideas.

Those who went along had the chance to fill in a survey of 13 questions about key aspects of the intention to change the look of the Hothamton and Regis Centre sites to help revitalise the entire town centre with a 100m-plus investment.

The results of the survey were revealed to Arun District Council's members of the Bognor Regis sub-committee last Thursday.

St Modwen development surveyor Gary Morris spoke to the committee about the relevance of the outcome.

The vast majority of individuals '“ 80 per cent/513 responses '“ wanted to see the two locations regenerated.

For the overall proposals for Hothamton '“ offices, a high quality food store and a possible new health centre '“ there were 55 per cent/344 in favour.

The Regis Centre site with its mix of live and film entertainment, a bowling alley, bars and restaurants and flats attracted 60 per cent/376 support.

Comments included the need to keep live entertainment at the site, with a possible bigger and better theatre. Some people wanted to see attractions different from those already in the town.

The building on the beach, opposite the centre, destined to become a restaurant received 67 per cent/428 expressions of approval.

A convincing 74 per cent/465 agreed with creating new spaces along the promenade for quiet and lively activities for all ages.

The Esplanade's partial closure between Clarence Road and Waterloo Square was also backed by the majority.

Opinion verred widely between those who thought the idea was very good and those totally opposed to it. The overall figures were 56 per cent/356 saying yes and 44 per cent/276 no.

The majority was reflected in the 56 per cent/349 who wanted alternative routes explored for motorists unable to drive along the seafront.

The thought of flats on the Regis Centre, always controversial, was opposed by 55 per cent/340 of respondents.

Unsurprisingly, more than three out of four people who replied '“ 76 per cent/576 wanted more public car parking. A similar number of 77 per cent/474 supported improved pedestrian links between the town centre and seafront.

Mr Morris said: "The initial consultation was a huge help to us in understanding what the local issues are. The community has been brilliant in sharing their views.'

Of the 653 completed forms, 340 were completed at the exhibition, 259 were posted in, 38 completed on the project's website and 16 at a schools' workshop.

n Full results on the Observer's website at www.bognor.co.uk.