Fresh look to new hoardings in Bognor

The theme of regeneration has been chosen for the latest photographs to be placed on the billboards outside the former Lec Refrigeration site.

The snapshots are being displayed from Monday '“ the day before the future of the site along the A29 Shripney Road will begin to be determined by the government.

A public inquiry into the proposals by Sainsbury's for a 55,000sq ft superstore with petrol station will be examined at a public inquiry chaired by planning inspector from Tuesday.

Site owner Sime Darby London will be speaking up for the plans which were approved by councillors for regenerating the derelict industrial factory and offices.

The new displays on the four 4.8mx4.8m panels put up to partially hide the eyesore will show how much regeneration has happened around Bognor.

Three of them will have the subjects of education, seafront and leisure to reflect the aspirations of the masterplan for central Bognor.

Their subjects are the new Ocean Hotel and Spa in Butlins, the award-winning Esplanade Grande flats on the seafront, the creation of new secondary and primary schools on the Bognor Regis Community College campus and the redevelopment of the Bognor campus of the University of Chichester.

The fourth will display an updated version of the Bognor regeneration logo complete with sunflowers.

Raof Daud, of Sime Darby London, said the company remained committed to Bognor's regeneration.

"We are continuing to promote awareness of local businesses, organisations and attractions of Bognor through the highly-visible hoardings erected on our site on the A29 Shripney Road.

"We are very pleased to play our part in promoting the benefits of the regeneration of Bognor and hope people who see these panels will appreciate just how much is happening."

Bognor regeneration task force head Richard McMann said: "Sime Darby's emphasis has always been to listen to, and engage with, the community and to promote the many and varied wonderful strengths and assets of Bognor. They continue to demonstrate a genuine care and concern for the town."

The billboards were put up last June and initially featured three collages of paintings by residents and the regeneration logo.

The paintings were replaced in February by photographs of clowns, the Picturedrome and the seafront.

Sime Darby intends to update them every six months.

Community groups interested in being involved in future displays '“ at no cost to your group '“ should contact the company on its www.simedarby.co.uk website