We live in seaside town overshadowed by Butlins – new £1.3m scheme could help

A £1.3million “public realm improvement project” is currently underway to transform Bognor Regis promenade into a new and enhanced community space – but locals aren’t convinced that it will effect much change for the seaside town once voted worst in the UK.

Construction began along the seafront stretch from Lennox Street to Clarence Road in October, with what now resembles a building site soon to become a walkway bordered by green rain gardens with new pedestrian crossings and a 20 mph speed limit.

The scheme will also deliver improved pedestrian and disabled access between the promenade and the seafront, a walkway between parked cars and the sea wall, new plants and additional seating and litter bins.

Once completed in April 2025, it will be part of a wider council-funded regeneration effort to create “a more accessible and connected community space” – but those strolling up and down the promenade on a gloomy December afternoon weren’t overly optimistic about the “run down” seaside town’s trading future.

Alan Johnson, 69, who has lived in Bognor for over 20 years, can no longer walk after his spine collapsed while he was working in the building trade. A more accessible route between the beach and the town centre should be a welcome feature of the new scheme – except that the retiree has no incentive to head into town, he told Express.co.uk.

He said: “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 ago and works as a financial planner, also thinks his local area “needs something” – describing it as “a bit rundown” compared to his former home of Worthing, another seaside town just down the road.

He said: “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 near Reading, is one such tourist who is braving the rainy December weather on a seaside Butlins break with her young family. 

The 28-year-old said it was right that the scheme was focused on renovating the seaside area – describing that as the area’s main appeal aside from the kids activities laid on at the holiday resort.

She told 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.”