St Modwen Properties has unveiled initial concepts for the £100m regeneration of Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

The plans for two sites in Bognor’s town centre include 200,000sq ft (18,580sq m) of leisure and retail space, as well as space for community use, offices and housing.

Among the ideas mooted for the leisure part of the scheme is the Building on the Beach, a film, arts and performance venue, with outdoor performance space and a bowling alley.

Gary Morris, senior development manager of St Modwen, said: “Our aim is to create a year round destination to enhance the day-to-day experiences of both residents and visitors. In providing a wide range of quality leisure, entertainment, residential and community facilities and attractive open spaces, we aim to create a vibrant destination in a spectacular setting which will re-establish Bognor Regis as a memorable experience for both residents and visitors alike.

The plans will now be subject to public consultation, the first stage of which began in December last year, after St Modwen was chosen by Arun District Council as its preferred developer in July 2006.

“We firmly believe that our proposals will contribute to the wider regeneration programme being pursued by the council and their partners at various other sites around the town centre,” Morris continued.

“We acknowledge the challenges ahead of us but will seek to ensure that we yield maximum investment benefits for the town. Our ideas are starting to take shape and following feedback from this first public consultation, we feel confident that we can work towards a robust planning application later this year."

After feedback from the consultation is analysed, more detailed plans will be released. A planning application is likely to be submitted in autumn this year, and work may start at the end of 2009.