Case study
Bognor Regis Rejuvenation
Alexandra Theatre and Arcade shopping centre regeneration
The challenge
DevComms is working with Arun District Council on stakeholder engagement and community consultation for the rejuvenation of two key sites in Bognor Regis – the Alexandra Theatre and The Arcade shopping centre. These projects aim to re-establish the town as one of England's premier coastal tourist destinations and boost visitor numbers, the local economy and employment.
Our approach
DevComms delivered stakeholder and public consultation for each project, engaging over 400 residents and local business owners through information displays, interactive sessions and opportunities to share views. A dedicated project website covering the whole regeneration programme extended reach to a wider audience, attracting over 2,400 visitors during the initial phase and offering an interactive feedback tool alongside regular project updates. DevComms worked closely with the Bognor Regis Regeneration Board to align the schemes with community and corporate priorities, and delivered significant political and stakeholder engagement including presentations to District and Town Councillors, the Regeneration Board and the Business Improvement District. Feedback from all activity was compiled into comprehensive reports presented to Arun District Council, informing the refinement of development proposals.
The outcome
The engagement strategy achieved strong public support for the rejuvenation, with proposals for the Alexandra Theatre receiving unanimous approval in September 2023 and The Arcade approved in 2025. DevComms continues to provide support on both schemes, providing regular updates to key stakeholders and the local media as the schemes progress towards and through construction.
DevComms have been supporting us to engage key stakeholders and the local community on our vision to rejuvenate Alexandra Theatre. They've worked seamlessly with our communications team, providing strategic engagement advice, presenting to key stakeholders and managing two successful in-person consultation events.
