Arun confirms it is to buy Bognor's Arcade

Calling it ‘one of the most iconic shopping locations’, a statement from the council outlines its aim to ‘fill the vacant units, improve the premises and restore this unique shopping arcade as a key attraction in the town’.

It added: “The Arcade is strategically located between the heart of the town centre and the Regis Centre development site owned by the council where there are plans for the ‘Gardens by the Sea’ Winter Gardens and enhanced cultural hub.

“Improvement of this essential retail area in Bognor Regis will deliver a sound investment for the council, which is looking to invest in suitable commercial property to provide income for future years.”

Councillor Stephen Haymes, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Technical Services, said he was ‘delighted’ to make the announcement.

He added: “As part of our Property Investment Strategy, we are buying the freehold of the Arcade first and foremost to generate an income stream for the council. We look forward to working with the current tenants, and we know that the Arcade has real potential to grow this income as the vacant units are let.”

Councillor Phil Hitchins, chairman of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub Committee, described the move as ‘a great opportunity for the regeneration of the town’.

He said: “The council can now protect and care for the Arcade as one of the most attractive, desirable and best located retail buildings in the town.

“As the Arcade is currently home to about a third of all the vacant properties across the whole town centre, we look forward to working with the Town Centre Manager and other partners, and seeing the Arcade filled with new and vibrant

local businesses once again.”

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