From Fire to Frame: The Evolution of Waterloo Square

Looking at photos of Waterloo Square from 2019 can feel like a fever dream. The image above captures the site in its rawest state: a skeleton of the former Beach Restaurant and neighboring shops, frozen in time following the 2016 fire. For years, this "gap in the teeth" of our seafront was a reminder of what we had lost.

A Canvas for the CommunityFast forward to today, and the scene has shifted. While the 2019 ruins were once a magnet for pigeons and rusted scaffolding, the site has finally been flattened and cleared. But more importantly, it has been reclaimed by the town’s creative spirit.

Instead of bleak metal fences, the site is now wrapped in vibrant hoardings featuring local artwork. This "open-air gallery" has transformed a construction delay into a celebration of Bognor Regis’s identity. It serves as a reminder that even in the "in-between" stages of urban regeneration, there is room for beauty and local pride.

What’s Next for the Square?The journey from the 2019 wreckage to today’s "blank canvas" hasn't been fast, but the momentum is finally here:

The Big Clear: The derelict structures seen in the old photos are gone, leaving a clean, flat site ready for its next chapter.

The Vision: Plans are moving forward for a high-quality mixed-use development. We’re looking at a future that includes 9 modern apartments and fresh commercial spaces that will breathe new life into our promenade.

A New Gateway: Combined with the recent £1.3 million investment in the Esplanade’s public realm, Waterloo Square is shedding its "eyesore" reputation to become a stylish gateway between the town center and the sea.

The hoardings may be temporary, but the message is clear: Waterloo Square is no longer a site of decay—it’s a site of possibility.

Did you know? The artwork on the current hoardings isn't just for decoration; it’s part of a wider initiative to ensure that as Bognor Regis grows, our local artists are the ones telling the story of our change.