Phoenix Centre in Bognor Regis rises from the ashes

The United Learning Trust, the academy trust including both The Regis School and Southway Primary School, have been granted a 7-year lease for the Phoenix Centre, Westloats Lane at nil rent per annum, subject to agreement of final terms.

The Phoenix Centre was declared surplus to operational requirements by West Sussex County Council and identified as being suitable for a Community Asset Transfer. The United Learning Trust, working with Sussex Clubs for Young People and ROX, was selected as the preferred lessee following a two stage Community Asset Transfer process.

In their submission, United Learning Trust set out that through working in collaboration with a range of partners drawn from the private, public and voluntary sectors, they proposed to enhance existing provision for educational and employment opportunities for young people; increase opportunities for young people to learn life skills; increase their physical and mental wellbeing; and to harness support for the families of young people wherever possible.

The Phoenix Centre was originally funded by Big Lottery Myspace and opened in 2011. West Sussex County Council entered into a 21-year deed with Big Lottery Myspace with a commitment by the Council to use the property as a youth centre, performance space, information, advice and guidance facility promoting healthy living, cultural activities and social enterprise and that services will be principally for young people aged 11-19. Clauses in the proposed lease to the United Learning Trust will ensure that this condition is met in use of the property. The proposed lease will also ensure that the centre will offer services for young people attending at all educational establishments and young persons not engaged in education, employment or training (NEETs).

The County Council has agreed to contribute towards costs to the value of £22,450. This payment will be conditional upon completion of the lease and satisfactory completion of the works.

West Sussex County Councillor Keir Greenway (Bersted) said “I’m delighted that West Sussex County Council has agreed to grant United Learning Trust a lease for the Phoenix Centre. I hope this will be the Phoenix “rising from the ashes” and this will breathe fresh life back into the centre.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Board of Governors at The Regis School, the school staff and officers at the County Council for getting to this positive outcome for Bersted and Bognor Regis. A special thanks to Diane Willson, the Chair of the Board, for her passion to bring this building back into community use.

I will continue to support Diane and the United Learning Trust to help get the building reopen as soon as possible.

Given the news of a similar lease from West Sussex County Council being granted at the 39 club, I’m optimistic that with a coordinated and strategic approach, Bognor Regis could see the benefits of a strengthened presence of youth provision in the town.”