Bognor Museum plan scrapped as building 'too costly'

They decided on Monday to scrap proposals to site the local history centre in empty space at the town's railway station.

The move was made after one of the councillors warned that pursuing the ambitious scheme at a cost of more than 1m could bankrupt the local authority.

The 13 councillors at Monday's meeting of the town council unanimously agreed to call a halt to the plans.

But they decided to look for freehold premises in which to site their offices and, possibly, a new museum.

The short debate was watched by Bognor Regis Local History Society chairman Kay Fall. Her members would like premises larger than their current High Street building to enable them to put more exhibits on show.

Greg Burt, the Lib Dem chairman of the town council's policy and resources committee, said: "Unfortunately, the project is a bit too big for this council's financial and manpower resources.

"Also, the lease would not appear to be long enough for what we wanted."

He said the obstacles about the proposals' future had become obvious in a consultant's report commissioned by the council.

The council put aside 20,000 in its budget for next year to progress the museum plans.

Cllr Burt said it had been necessary to spend cash to find out whether or not the project would be viable.

Tory Cllr Adam Cunard seconded the motion. He said: "We have never been against a new museum. It would be wonderful to give it a new home.

"But we have also said this could be a costly project which could run out of steam.

"I regret spending the money we have done so far but I'm pleased we are not coming to the same conclusion after spending even more."

Cllr Ken Scutt, for the two Independents, stated: "This is very sad because having a new museum is a wonderful dream. But I voted against it right from the start because it is too expensive for the town council."

The total cost of the museum, as part of a visitor attraction, was expected to cost more than 1m. Putting in a planning application for the project alone would incur a 30,000 bill.

The town council hoped to recoup some of the costs from the government's Sea Change funding initiative to help coastal resorts.

But this could still leave a shortfall of about 1m to be funded by council tax payers in Hotham, Orchard, Pevensey and Marine wards at a cost of 138 for an average band D homeowner.

This was regarded by town councillors as too big a burden to put on households.

They were also disappointed the station's owner, Network Rail, was only willing to offer a 25-year lease on the premises rather than the 99-year agreement they wanted.

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