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The Arcade - Latest Updates

Alexandra Theatre redevelopment continues to move forward as construction reaches new milestones

04 July 2025

The Alexandra Theatre redevelopment in Bognor Regis continues to move forward, with extensive groundworks now completed and key structural preparations well underway.

The Alexandra Theatre redevelopment in Bognor Regis continues to make good progress. Recent work on site has focused on important structural elements and preparations for the next stage of the project. Neilcott Construction Ltd is leading the work, supported by regular checks and inspections from the project management team.

Recent progress highlights:

lift pit construction: The steel framework, protective casing (shuttering), and concrete base for the new lift pit have been successfully completed.
groundworks along the building’s edge: The team has finished preparing the base (known as blinding) along the west and north sides of the building. Work has started to put in place steel frameworks and mesh that will strengthen the concrete in these areas.
foundation testing: Tests on the deep foundations (piles) are nearly finished and are expected to be completed this week. These tests help confirm that the building will have strong and safe foundations.
scaffolding inside the theatre: The large internal scaffolding structure (known as a birdcage scaffold) inside the main auditorium is now complete and has been handed over for use. The scaffolding in the stage area is almost finished and should be ready this week.
high-level work inside the theatre: Following the scaffold handover, work has started to remove old materials and fittings at roof level inside the auditorium.
improved site access: A lift (hoist) has been installed on the internal scaffolding to help move materials safely and easily around the site.
visit from council leadership: Arun District Council leadership visited the site along with members of the project team on 26 June 2025 to see the progress first-hand. This visit forms part of the commitment to continued collaboration as part of the wider Bognor Regis Rejuvenation projects.

What’s next:

continuing steel reinforcement work: The steel frameworks will continue to be installed along the west and north sides of the building.
major concrete pour planned: The next big milestone will be the pouring of new concrete slabs, which is planned for 9 July 2025. The aim is to complete all slab areas in a single day.
scaffolding and safety measures: The stage area scaffolding will be finished and handed over. Safety netting will be installed underneath the roof to allow roof works to begin safely. Scaffolding work will also start on the roof and in Studio 5.

Commitment to safety and delivery
The project continues to move ahead in line with the agreed timetable. Safety remains the top priority, with careful planning to make sure the work is carried out safely and with as little disruption as possible.

Further updates will be shared as the redevelopment progresses.

Alexandra Theatre redevelopment continues to progress as main works gather pace

20 June 2025

The Alexandra Theatre redevelopment in Bognor Regis continues to move forward, with extensive groundworks now completed and key structural preparations well underway.

The project remains under the delivery of Neilcott Construction Ltd and is supported through regular inspections by the project management team.

Recent progress highlights:

Groundworks progressing well: The reduced level excavations are now complete, and importantly, this phase has been delivered without any complaints from the public regarding site traffic. Work has included the breaking down of piles, completion of pile integrity testing, installation of below-ground drainage and manholes, and the early stages of lift pit construction, including steel cage formation and shuttering.
Scaffolding underway: The external scaffold along the east elevation is now fully installed. Internal scaffolding within the auditorium is currently being erected, using a specially designed configuration to support future roof works and ceiling access.

What’s next:

Auditorium scaffold to continue: Over the coming weeks, a hoist will be installed to the internal auditorium scaffolding to support materials and access.
Safety measures in place for roof works: Once scaffolding has been fully signed off, safety netting will be installed beneath the auditorium roof, allowing works above to commence safely.
Ceiling and roof strip works to begin: Internal ceiling works will include removing the existing plasterboard, followed by the careful removal of existing roof slates—part of the overall plan to restore and reconfigure the building’s historic roof structure.

Site hoardings update:
The second phase of infographic hoardings is now in place, featuring new wayfinding panels to guide visitors towards The Arcade and High Street. These panels also highlight local businesses and support footfall while construction continues.

The team is now looking ahead to plans for the final hoarding phase, which will feature artistic and vibrant imagery—with opportunities for potential community involvement in its creation.

Continued focus on safety and delivery

The redevelopment continues to be closely managed and is progressing in line with the agreed programme. Health and safety remain a top priority, with robust controls in place across all areas of the site.

Cllr Roger Nash, Chair of the Economy Committee, said:
“It’s fantastic to see such visible progress on the Alexandra Theatre. The delivery of this project will be a key step in transforming Bognor Regis town centre, and the positive public response so far is a real credit to the team on site.”

Alexandra Theatre redevelopment continues to progress as site transitions to next key phase

6 June 2025

The Alexandra Theatre redevelopment in Bognor Regis continues to move forward, with ground-level works making good progress and preparations underway for the next stage of construction. The project remains under the careful management of main contractor Neilcott Construction Ltd and is supported through regular site inspections by the project management team.

Recent progress highlights:

Pile testing underway: Pile integrity testing is progressing across the site, with testing scheduled in phases as pile heads are exposed. These checks ensure that the new foundations meet all necessary structural standards.
Reduced level dig in progress: Work is continuing to carefully lower ground levels and expose pile heads in readiness for upcoming substructure works. This includes safe removal of material from the site as part of the transition to core construction.
Scaffolding ready for reinstallation: Scaffold materials have been delivered and are now stored inside the building. Internal scaffold construction will resume once finalised designs are approved, enabling essential roof works and further progress within the auditorium.
Site remains secure and operational: Pedestrian and vehicle access is being well managed, with a full-time gateman in place. Housekeeping on site remains good, with safety and cleanliness standards upheld.

What’s next:

Internal scaffolding installation: Once design approval is confirmed, internal scaffolding will be installed to support work in the auditorium and roof areas. This will also enable safety netting and roof strip activities to commence.
Drainage preparation to follow: As ground preparation concludes, below-ground drainage installation will begin, supporting the wider structural development of the building.

Site hoardings update:

We’re pleased to confirm that the first phase of infographic hoardings is now fully installed on site. These vibrant panels showcase key information about the Regis Rejuvenation programme, including timelines, project partners, and the design vision for the Alexandra Theatre and surrounding initiatives.

Looking ahead, the next section of hoardings will be installed on Tuesday 10 June. This will feature new wayfinding signage, helping to direct visitors and residents toward The Arcade and High Street. This signage also highlights the local businesses within The Arcade, encouraging footfall and visibility throughout the construction period.

Continued focus on safety and delivery

The redevelopment remains closely monitored through weekly site inspections and is progressing in line with the project plan. All site activity is supported by robust safety and quality control measures.

Cllr Roger Nash, Chair of the Economy Committee, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Alexandra Theatre project continuing to move forward. The newly installed hoardings are not only informative but also a great way of involving the community in the regeneration story. We're excited to see the next phase of signage going up to support our local businesses and improve wayfinding in the town centre.”

Planning application for The Arcade officially validated

9 June 2025

Arun District Council has officially validated the planning application for The Arcade, a landmark project within the wider Regis Rejuvenation programme.

This milestone marks a major step forward in efforts to enhance and revitalise Bognor Regis town centre. The proposals aim to safeguard the long-term future of one of the town’s most recognisable historic buildings, while introducing new energy and opportunities at its heart.

Key highlights of the proposals include:

35 much-needed, high-quality residential apartments on the upper floors to bring new life into the town centre and help meet local housing need.
A dedicated restoration of the original Edwardian turrets on the High Street entrance—honouring the building’s heritage—alongside full restoration of the building envelope (including roof, walls, floors and windows) across the upper floors.
A redeveloped and modernised Belmont Street entrance, creating a more welcoming gateway to the shopping centre. This includes improvements to the two existing retail units in that area.
A new retail unit proposed on Belmont Street, adjacent to the new entrance, to strengthen the commercial offer and increase footfall.
Targeted building improvements to help future-proof the shopping centre and better support existing and future traders.
A design approach focused on boosting town centre vibrancy, supporting economic activity, and creating a more attractive and active environment.

While the current application focuses on the upper floors and key access areas, feasibility work is ongoing to explore opportunities (subject to funding) for restoration and improvement of ground floor areas—including front and back of house spaces and original features.

The application is now live on Arun District Council’s planning portal, with a target determination date of 1 September 2025.

Cllr Roger Nash, Chair of the Economy Committee, said:

“This is a significant step for the future of The Arcade and Bognor Regis town centre more widely. These plans respond directly to local priorities—preserving the best of our heritage while creating spaces that are vibrant, welcoming and economically active. We’re looking forward to the next stage in bringing this to life.”

The Arcade proposals complement ongoing investment at nearby sites including the Alexandra Theatre, all under the umbrella of the Regis Rejuvenation programme—a coordinated effort to revitalise key town centre assets for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.

Further updates will be provided as the application progresses.

Planning application for Bognor Regis Arcade officially validated

4 June 2025

Arun District Council has now validated the planning application for the next phase of regeneration at the Bognor Regis Arcade.

This milestone marks an important step forward in the wider Regis Rejuvenation programme, which aims to revitalise key town centre assets and improve the experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The application is now live on the planning portal, with a target determination date of 1 September 2025.

Further updates will be shared as the application progresses.

Alexandra Theatre redevelopment advances to next hase as major groundwork nears completion

27 May 2025

The Alexandra Theatre redevelopment project continues to make steady progress, with enabling work approaching completion and the site preparing to enter the next significant phase of construction.

Recent progress highlights:

piling mat successfully removed: with piling work now finished, the piling mat has been removed to allow the next sequence of work to proceed
pile testing underway: testing of the installed piles is currently ongoing to ensure the structure meets all engineering standards.
major earthwork nearing completion: removal of the debris from the demolition phase is well underway. The demolition contractor is operating five, six-wheel tipper trucks, each with a 15-tonne capacity, with between 20–30 trips scheduled. This work is expected to conclude over the coming weeks, with minor demolition work continuing in parallel.

What’s next:

drainage work set to begin: below-ground drainage installation will begin once the area is prepared—marking the transition to core construction work.
scaffolding operations continue: approximately 70 tonnes of scaffold equipment has now been delivered to site. Installation will begin on Tuesday 27 May and will support both internal and external work

Hoardings installation set for 28 May

Due to the recent bank holidays, the installation of the hoardings has been rescheduled to start on 28 May. These hoardings are a key part of the project’s community engagement strategy, and will provide information about the wider Regis Rejuvenation initiative. This first phase will showcase project designs, delivery partners, and timelines across the various regeneration schemes in Bognor Regis.

A second phase of panels is also planned, which will include signage to guide visitors towards the Arcade and High Street, while also promoting local traders..

This phased approach allows the messaging to evolve with the project and ensures visibility and support for businesses is sustained throughout the work.

Continued focus on safety and delivery

The site remains under the careful management of Neilcott Construction Ltd, with robust health and safety protocols in place and activities progressing in line with the agreed programme.

Cllr Roger Nash, Chair of the Economy Committee, said:

“We’re excited to see the hoardings going up later this month. They’re an important part of connecting people with the vision for the town centre and ensuring that local traders remain front and centre during this major investment in Bognor Regis.”

17 April 2025

Since our most recent update, our main contractor, Neilcott, has continued to make excellent progress on-site:

Foundation Strengthening Completed – The underpinning work to reinforce the building’s foundations has been successfully completed.
Groundwork Preparation Finalised – The piling mat is now complete, providing a stable base for piling operations.
Piling Commenced – Piling works have begun, marking a significant milestone in establishing deep foundations.
Site Mobilisation and Enabling Work Nears Completion – Preparations to support the main construction phase are now largely complete, and the primary works to the theatre are underway.

Arun District Council will provide regular updates on the construction work. For any inquiries regarding the ongoing construction works please contact Arun District Council’s community representatives, DevComms, at regisrejuvenation@devcomms.co.uk or on 0800 080 3178.

Arun District Council to host engagement event for The Arcade rejuvenation plans

1 April 2025

Arun District Council’s regeneration team is pleased to announce an event to provide the community with an update on our plans to rejuvenate The Arcade in Bognor Regis town centre.

The engagement event will be held at Unit 6, The Arcade, Bognor Regis, PO21 1LH on Thursday 10 April 2025 from 2pm-6pm.

We are inviting local residents, businesses and others with an interest in the council’s plans to rejuvenate The Arcade to come and speak to them about the proposals and next steps. The event will provide the community with an opportunity to meet the project team, receive an update on how the council’s plans are progressing and provide feedback.

Councillor Martin Lury, Leader of Arun District Council, said:

“Our exciting plans for The Arcade are another mark of our commitment to regenerate Bognor Regis. Subject to planning permission being granted, these plans could come forward quickly, complementing the new Alexandra Theatre, Premier Inn hotel and Esplanade improvements, all of which are currently under construction.”

The regeneration plans comprise the complete refurbishment and extension of The Arcade’s upper floors (which are currently vacant), and creation of around 35 character town centre apartments, alongside the potential for additional ground floor shops and external public space.

Rejuvenation of The Arcade will directly benefit its shops and services in the long term by creating additional footfall. This will help to generate extra spending in The Arcade’s shops and restaurants and wider adjacent areas, as well as contributing to the growth of the evening economy in the town.

A planning application for the proposals is expected to be submitted to the district council in the coming weeks.

For more information on Arun District Council’s plans, please visit the website at
regisrejuvenation.co.uk. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via email at arcade-
bognorregis@devcomms.co.uk or call 0800 080 3178.

Public Engagement Day - Press Release

Alexandra Theatre Construction Work - Progress Updates

See our latest news updates on all our projects here:

28th March 2025

Since our most recent update, our main contractor, Neilcott, has made significant progress on-site:

Foundation Strengthening Completed – The underpinning work to reinforce the building’s foundations has now been successfully finished.
Groundwork Preparation Underway – The team is progressing with the installation of the piling mat, creating a stable base for upcoming structural work.
Site Mobilisation in Progress – Necessary preparations and coordination are taking place to support the next phase of construction.
The following key activities are planned for the next period:
Completion of Piling Mat – Finalising the groundwork to ensure a stable base for piling operations.
Preparing structural and service-related elements to support the next construction stages.
Commencement of Piling – Initiating piling work to establish deep foundations, pending client approval.

4 March 2025

Since our most recent update, our main contractor Neilcott has made the following progress:

Completed the demolition of the North Elevation of the theatre, facing onto Belmont Street.
Removed the foundations to the North Elevation and backfilled to provide stability.
Installed steel supports to the ground floor toilets.
Completed investigations and the design of a piling mat to ensure sufficient stability and reliability for the safe operation of piling rigs and other heavy plant on site.
Completed the installation of protective structures to Place Saint-Maur.
In the coming weeks, ‘enabling’ work will continue. This will include:
Installation of the designed Piling Mat.
Commencing the underpinning of the theatre to strengthen its’ foundations (to be implemented subject to ongoing analysis).

17 February 2025

Since our most recent update, our main contractor, Neilcott, has made the following progress:

The temporary site access road and Place Saint Maur protection is complete
Structural alterations are underway and a new main entrance opening has been formed
Structural steel installation has started
North elevation demolition, facing onto Belmont Street, has been completed

In the coming weeks, ‘enabling’ work will continue. This will include:

Installing a piling mat, (once the design has been finalised) to ensure sufficient stability and reliability to operate piling rigs and other heavy plant on site safely
Removing redundant heating loop services in the auditorium
Installing a birdcage scaffold in the auditorium/stage areas

Place Saint Maur fountains

Some of the fountains in Place Saint Maur are now located behind the hoarding within the theatre construction site. The fountains have been sealed and protected, and the Place Saint Maur surface paving has been covered with a durable membrane and boarding (with temporary site access road surfacing laid over). This will protect the area during the construction period. All the fountains are powered and fed by the same mechanism and therefore none of them can be used until the construction hoarding is taken down closer to the project’s completion. This regrettably means that the fountains will not be in use over the coming summer season.

For any inquiries regarding the ongoing construction works please contact Arun District Council’s community representatives, DevComms, at regisrejuvenation@devcomms.co.uk or on 0800 080 3178.

3 February 2025

Since our most recent update, our main contractor, Neilcott, has made the following progress:

Completed the soft stripping of the theatre’s interior.
Completed the demolition of the building to the West Elevation of the theatre, facing out onto Place Saint-Maur.
Begun the demolition of the North elevation, facing onto Belmont Street.
Started work to protect Place Saint-Maur from any potential impact whilst the theatre undergoes rejuvenation.
Completed high level mechanical and electrical works.
Installed a temporary traffic management solution on Belmont Street. This will remain in place for the duration of the theatre’s rejuvenation.

In the coming weeks, ‘enabling’ work will continue. This will include:

Completing demolition of the building’s North elevation.
Full installation of protective structures in Place Saint-Maur.
Installation of steel supports at ground floor level.
Installation of a piling mat, (once the design has been finalised) to ensure sufficient stability and reliability for the safe operation of piling rigs and other heavy plant on site.

16 January 2025

Neilcott Construction (Neilcott), the main contractor appointed by Arun District Council, has been progressing well with the construction of the rejuvenated Alexandra Theatre. The theatre remains on track to open in mid-2026.

The west side of the theatre facing Place Saint Maur has now been demolished, and the demolition of the theatre’s north (Belmont Street) side is scheduled to start from this week. The internal strip-out of the building continues to progress well, and the first of the proposed performance studios has been formed by remodelling internal partitions and removing the first-floor plant room.

Internal scaffolding and decking have been installed to allow access to the underside of the main theatre roof for ongoing structural investigations and work. An asbestos survey has also been completed recently and removal work undertaken where appropriate.

The site office, alongside welfare and storage facilities, have now been installed by Neilcott in the former Brewers Fayre unit. These facilities will remain in place for the duration of the construction work. A fully operational CCTV system is now in place to monitor the site.

The site boundary facing Place Saint Maur has had timber hoarding installed, whilst the remaining site boundaries have had secure metal fencing put in place. The part of Place Saint Maur that sits within the site boundary (including the water jets) will be protected for the duration of the project and reinstated upon completion.

Temporary traffic lights will be set up and implemented on Belmont Street from week commencing 13 January to manage traffic through the initial phase of the construction works.

Please see below the latest images of the ongoing construction works.

November 2024

Neilcott Construction to Lead Rejuvenation of Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis

Following the appointment of Neilcott Construction as the principal contractor for the redevelopment of the Alexandra Theatre, significant progress has been made towards regenerating the wider Regis Quarter. Neilcott Construction, in close collaboration with the Arun DC regeneration team, is currently finalising detailed design plans aimed at enhancing the theatre's facilities and infrastructure. Neilcott Construction are already on site at the theatre and pre commencement works have begun.

Plans for the Theatre and the wider Regis Quarter (comprising the potential future regeneration of the former Brewers Fayre building and wider Regis Centre car park) will bring new investment and footfall into the town for the benefit of local residents and businesses.

A key focus of the current phase is the planning of the construction timeline to minimise disruption to the Regis Centre car park and Place St Maur. This careful approach underscores Neilcott Construction’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition throughout the project.

Arun District Council is poised to unveil further specifics regarding the construction schedule in the forthcoming weeks, with work on site beginning in due course. With an eye towards completing the renovation expeditiously, the anticipated reopening of the Alexandra Theatre is scheduled for mid 2026.

Furthermore, Following a meeting on the evening of the 6 November 2024, Arun District Councillors have voted to allocate further funds to support the delivery of the Alexandra Theatre project in Bognor Regis, on the recommendation of the Policy and Finance Committee on the 24 October 2024.

The committee’s accepted recommendations include an additional £3 million to be added to the project budget, comprising of £1 million confirmed spend and the remainder as a contingency fund.

To date £12.19 million from central government and £3million from the capital programme has been in the pot to fund the project. However, inflationary cost pressures in the construction industry have continued to rise, which has resulted in an industry-wide cost increase in delivering projects, as well as several long-established contractors ceasing to trade. As a result, this has impacted on market conditions and this work programme.

August 2024

With Neilcott Construction as the main contractor for the next stage of the Alexandra Theatre rejuvenation, progress is being made.

Neilcott is currently finalising detailed design work together with the Arun Distrct Council regeneration team. Special attention is being given to planning the construction programme and minimising disruption to the Regis Centre car park and Place St Maur. The council will share more information about the construction schedule in the coming weeks, ahead of work starting in early autumn 2024.

June 2024

Swift progress continues following the appointment of Neilcott Construction as the main contractor for the next stage in rejuvenating Alexandra Theatre.

Neilcott is currently finalising detailed design work in collaboration with the Arun District Council Regeneration Team. Special attention is being given to planning the construction programme and minimising disruption to the Regis Centre car park and Place St Maur.

The council will release further details of the construction schedule in the upcoming weeks before work begins in late summer/early autumn 2024. The anticipated reopening of the theatre is set for the end of 2025/early 2026.

May 2024 - Appointment of Building Contractor to progress Theatre Rejuvenation

Media Release - May 2024

May 2024

Arun District Council is pleased to confirm that a main contractor has been appointed to progress the detailed design for the rejuvenated Alexandra Theatre in the Regis Centre, Bognor Regis, with construction work expected to start later in 2024.

In the meantime, our regeneration team is working on the information to discharge a range of planning conditions that were put in place when planning permission was granted in February 2024. This includes providing additional information on how construction will be managed (working with the appointed contractor) and additional surveys needed on the current building to ensure it is ready for construction.

The council will keep the community informed of progress before construction work starts and throughout the construction period. This will include information on how the construction will be managed and any potential interface with Place Saint Maur and Regis Centre car park.

March 2024

We are pleased that we are now in a position where we can start sharing regular updates on the Alexandra Theatre project.

Planning permission for the rejuvenation of the theatre was formally issued in February 2024 and preparation work for the start of construction continues at pace.

Site investigation and survey work is taking place both within and outside The Regis Centre and our Regeneration Team is now finalising the appointment of the main building contractor following tender returns and evaluation. Construction work is due to start in late spring 2024.

Arun Arts have successfully completed their relocation into temporary performance and administration space for the duration of the construction period.

We hope that these updates have been helpful. If you have any questions on the project or this update, please contact us directly at 0800 080 3178 or email us at regisrejuvenation@devcomms.co.uk.

September 2023

We are delighted to announce that the Arun District Council Planning Committee have resolved to approve the planning application on 6th September 2023, granting officers delegated authority to conclude matters.

We would like to thank those who have showed their support for the proposals.

Our media release on the approved planning application can be found below:

Media Release - September 2023

July 2023

We are pleased that a planning application has now been submitted to Arun District Council for the rejuvenation of the theatre. The application has been validated and can be found under reference number BR/142/23/PL.

June 2023

We are hosting a second community event on Friday 16th June, where we will be providing an update on our final proposals for Alexandra Theatre. We would like to share the finalised plans and designs with the local community.

Our details of the information event can be found at the leaflet available to download below alongside the exhibition display from the day:

Leaflet - June 2023

June Exhibition Display

April 2023

Feedback from our public consultation period in March shows that the vast majority of those engaged support the proposals to rejuvenate Alexandra Theatre – with 98% of respondents saying that they supported the rejuvenation of the site.

This follows the event on 17th March where over 300 members of the local community attended to find out more.

Our media release on the feedback received can be found below:

Press Release - April 2023

March 2023

On Friday 17th March 2023, we hosted a community conversation event on the vision for the new Alexandra Theatre. At the event, we invited local stakeholders and residents to come and speak with us to find out more information on the proposals and ask any questions.

Details of the information event can be found at the leaflet available to download below and the exhibition display from the day.

Leaflet Download

March Exhibition Display