Plans unveiled for improvements to seafront arcade
Sophia Cobby / BBCBusiness owners say regeneration plans for a seaside arcade will bring better footfall and facilities if they survive the disruption from works.
The Arcade in Bognor, West Sussex, is set to be redeveloped with 35 new flats and more retail space in a bid to restore the early 20th Century building.
Shops and residents in the area backed the plans at a consultation event on Thursday but raised concerns about the need for community spaces and better parking should the plans go ahead.
Max Whitehand, Arun District Council project development manager, said the plans received "a lot of positive feedback" and the council would review concerns before submitting its planning application.
Danny Dawes, of not-for-profit Grandad's Front Room based in Bognor High Street, said The Arcade was "part of Bognor that we can't forget".
Sophia Cobby / BBCHe told Radio Sussex: "It's part of Bognor's heritage and history and we need people to move into those flats who will care for them and look after them."
Karen, of the Suga'kane Caribbean café and bar in the town, said: "Even though the renovations will massively disturb businesses, at the end of the project it will hopefully bring more people here.
"In the short term it will be a nightmare. Unless something is done about the drop in footfall we will have an amazing town with lovely facilities but no businesses."
Sophia Cobby / BBCPlans for the regeneration of The Arcade, first built in 1902, were presented to residents and businesses in Bognor on Thursday.
The plans would see the top floor of the development converted into flats while retail units would sit on the ground floor.
Martin Lury, leader of Arun District Council, said plans for The Arcade marked "our commitment to regenerate" the town.
A planning application for the proposals is expected to be submitted in May, with The Arcade expected to be open in 2027 subject to permission being granted.
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