Rejuvenating public realm
LUC is proud to have played a key role in the regeneration of two important public spaces in Bognor Regis: Place St Maur and the Sunken Gardens.
Unleashing Place St Maurβs potential
Once an underutilised space with untapped potential, Place St Maur awaited a transformation. LUC, commissioned by Arun District Council, took on the challenge.
The vision? To craft a high-quality, welcoming destination that would become a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors.
The scheme has provided a catalyst for recovery and regeneration post-Covid, activating the public realm and encouraging more visitors to spend more time in the town.
A flourishing hub for the community
LUC's designs, informed by in-depth stakeholder engagement, breathed new life into Place St Maur.
The space now flourishes with stunning coastal planting, playful water features, and a flexible event space that caters to a variety of gatherings.
High-quality seating and lighting invites visitors to linger, fostering a vibrant hub that attracts both residents and businesses, igniting a sense of community.
Reinvigorating the Sunken Gardens
LUC's mission for the Sunken Gardens was to revitalise the space while honouring its cherished character. Our proposals struck a harmonious balance:
- A refurbished play area, brimming with new life, would reignite the joy of outdoor play and exercise for younger visitors.
- Improved accessibility and visibility would ensure everyone can experience the beauty of the gardens and help to reduce anti-social behaviour.
- Sensory elements, strategically placed, would activate underused spaces, inviting discovery and engagement for all.
Playful and accessible
The Sunken Gardens' play area underwent a playful transformation. Accessible equipment, improved safety surfacing, and seamless connections to the wider gardens ensure a fun and inclusive experience for all ages and abilities.
The brightly coloured surfacing and naturalised planting capture the coastal character and provide a fun and uplifting space.
Sustainable
Our designs are grounded in principles of sustainability, promoting refurbishing existing play equipment, and reusing site-won materials.
An area of wildflower meadow and new tree planting have improved biodiversity, and a sensory area incorporates carved timber animals as part of an activity trail for children.
A welcoming oasis
LUC's vision for the Sunken Gardens was to transform it into a welcoming oasis. Improved visibility through the gardens entices exploration, while strategically placed new benches become inviting resting spots.
The addition of a southern entrance acts as a gateway, drawing visitors in from the seafront to discover the hidden delights within.
This key enhancement creates a more vibrant and welcoming community space for all.
βIt has been quite a year but with a fantastic project achieved along the way. The scheme has given the space such a lift and even with the fountains now off for the winter it is visually so much more appealing.β
Rachel AldersonProject Manager, Arun District Council