The vision area includes part of the seafront in Bognor Regis, around the pier, fishing communities area (home of the Bognor Fishermen’s Association), Waterloo Square, and exciting new developments in the area, including a new hotel, theatre and more.

The Marine Quarter project centres on three connected sites, each playing a vital role in honouring Bognor Regis’ seafront heritage while shaping a sustainable and vibrant future:

• the unique and fragile seabed off the Bognor Regis coastline, home to ecologically rich marine habitats including kelp, shellfish and a diverse range of coastal species. This marine environment supports the town’s fishing heritage and provides opportunities for education, research and conservation through partnerships with environmental organisations and needs to be treated respectfully

•  the wet fish stall, the project aims to assist the operator (Bognor Fishermen’s Association) in enhancing their stall, through grant funding to improve their retail space

• proposed ground floor use of the vacant plot at Waterloo Square, identified as the preferred location for a new public facing use such as a marine themed visitor, research or education centre.

Together, these three sites form the foundation of a single, cohesive vision: to support the fishing industry, strengthen environmental stewardship and create engaging new experiences that celebrate Bognor Regis’ relationship with the sea.

Help shape the vision:

Arun District Council is inviting residents to take part in a drop-in event with Sussex Bay team members, who will be on hand to help and share concept material and ways to feedback:

• The Waverley Pub, Marine Drive West, Bognor Regis PO21 2QA on Saturday 28 March from 11am to 2pm.

• RAFA Club, 19 Waterloo Square, Bognor Regis, PO21 1TE on Tuesday 31 March from 2pm to 5pm.

In the meantime, if you would like to find out more, get involved or share your ideas and experiences, we would love to hear from you. You can also read the full Arun District Council press release here.

Sussex Bay is all of ours. Let’s shape our area together.