Former Town Mayor calls creation of Landmark Regeneration Project for the Town.

Jan Cosgrove, former Labour Town Mayor, has criticised the lack of substance and vision of the current Arun Council plans for regenerating the Town.   In particular, he has called the proposed 4-screen cinema multiplex as a poor 'top feature', one which will not bring in visitors to the Town, and which also will find it hard to survive in an area where it is known that the existing/planned 3/4 screens at the Picturedrome will meet demand.   

"Other towns are seeking major projects, such as the new Turner gallery at Maidstone.   This scheme is, sadly, puny and cheap-skate.   It cannot generate the visitor influx we so badly need.

"I have two viable and practical suggestions, one of which would be popular and extend the visitor day, and the other would be landmark:

1. "A seafront, sea-filled lido surrounded on 2 sides by sandy beach, with diving boards, safe bathing especially when the tide is far out, with good concessions.    I cannot see this being too expensive, and it also might reinforce the sea defences at that point, which I would envisage being opposite the current Regis Centre site.
2. "A landmark Museum of Comedy, possibly based on the regenerated Pier, with interactive/live facilities for small theatre, video/film, computer interactive, cabaret/comedy club style performance.   There is nothing like it, I believe the British Comedy tradition could be greatly served, and it would be a real attraction year-round."

Additionally, he is calling for clarification as to the future role of the University with regards to the upgrade of the Regis Centre.  "I was told by a very senior University figure that they want to invest in the Town even more, and that a 750 seat theatre would enable their Music and Music Theatre Courses to function in a very exciting way which would hugely benefit the Centre's profile and performance.  Some of the future West End musical stars are in training at our Uni, we can be among the first to see them perform in their careers.   We all know the current theatre cannot get the acts in, it's too small.  I led the effort to rescue it nearly ten years back, it's time for it to move forward."