a water fountain in a town

Bognor Regis, Place St Maur and Sunken Gardens

Breathing new life into public spaces
Location
West Sussex, England
Client
Arun District Council

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 Maur’s 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.

β€œIt 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.”

Rachel Alderson
Project Manager, Arun District Council

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