Plans for a £10 million development, dubbed the ‘Regis Quarter,’ on the Bognor Regis seafront have been supported by Arun District Council’s economy committee.

The proposed development, set to transform the former Brewers Fayre pub and Regis Centre Car Park sites, includes commercial spaces, leisure and tourism areas, overnight accommodation, residential flats, and a theatre. The project aims to revitalise the town’s cultural and creative energy, providing local communities with jobs and startup spaces while boosting the tourism and leisure economies.

Architects OB Architecture and Fabrik envision a neighbourhood serving local communities and enhancing the town’s appeal. The Brewers Fayre site is set to be redeveloped into a multi-use Royal Hall, featuring a 400-seat auditorium, a smaller adjacent foyer hall, a marquee restaurant, and a sky bar. The building will have a transparent facade to welcome visitors and signify its status as a community asset.

The Regis Centre Car Park site will become a mixed-use development, featuring leisure, retail, workspaces, food and drink establishments, public spaces, car parking, and holiday accommodation. The holiday accommodation section could range from three to eight storeys with up to 120 rooms, while the car park is planned to increase from 175 to 228 spaces.

The plans are still preliminary, with a feasibility study approved to determine market interest and funding options. Joint Interim CEO Karl Roberts noted that the council cannot finance the project alone and would need to seek government grants or enter into a joint venture with a private developer.

Roberts anticipates community consultation to begin soon after the feasibility study’s approval, though no exact date has been set. The Premier Inn plans and the renovated Alexandra Theatre, adjacent to the site, are not included in the scheme, though the theatre will remain connected to the new Royal Hall.

Councillor Shaun Gunner expressed concerns about the development overshadowing neighbouring houses and competing with existing local amenities. Councillor Andy Cooper recalled previous unsuccessful proposals for the site, while Councillor Roger Nash remembered a time when the theatre and Royal Hall operated cooperatively.

Councillor Martin Lury praised the plans as ‘exciting’ and transformative for Bognor Regis, suggesting an increase in theatre seating capacity to attract more tourism.

The economy committee supported the plans with nine votes in favour and one abstention. As part of the approval for the feasibility study, members also agreed to request funding from West Sussex County Council’s business rates pool to support public consultation and further development of the plans up to obtaining planning permission.