The little UK seaside town that’s a ‘shell of its former self’ getting major £13m revamp | Travel News | Travel

In one West Sussex seaside town, the tide may be turning. After more than £13 million being invested across the town centre and the seafront, a place with a “reputation” may be changing. Just eight months ago, in an open letter, one local described the town as a “shell of its former self”, full of barbers, arcades and cafes, without a shopping centre of “any use to its residents”.

“It sort of degraded, and also there was antisocial behaviour and all the sorts of problems that you do tend to get in the high street,” admits the mayor, Alan Butcher, who linked the problems to the market closing. However, the council says major investments in Littlehampton and the seafront have turned it around, including £7.2 million to upgrade the seafront with a new promenade, splash park and facilities.

When the new seafront opened in summer, the mayor enthused:  “It really did make a big splash. People in the towns all around were coming in and there was a real buzz to it. At the seafront, you were barely able to park because it was so busy.”

Local shopkeepers also banded together to find a new operator for the market, which opened in August. “It has been a massive success ever since. They’ve got about 12 to 14 regular stores that are down there at the moment and they’re building that even further,” notes the Mayor.

After pushing the regeneration strategy for about two and a half years, the councillors say they are starting to reap the rewards in the town with 30,000 residents.

“Before this year, I’d say there was a huge amount of social media negativity. And you’ve seen this year, not only has there emerged this real positive social media side, but it’s actually created an army of people out there who actually knock the head on the negativity.”

Lucy Hall, the town centre project officer at Littlehampton town council, adds: “We’ve definitely seen a lot more positivity. You can see the knock-on effect that it has. People want to be positive about it and help the businesses that are here.”

In Littlehampton’s town centre, which is dotted with  Christmas lights, locals Christina and Kevin Taylor seem to appreciate the council’s work. “The areas that they’ve redone down on the seafront, that’s really nice. The walk is lovely.”

Christopher Slater, who is walking his dog at the windy beach next to the crashing waves, agrees. He says the beach is a highlight, and he would recommend it for a UK break.

However, there is still room for improvement. Mrs Taylor highlights: “I think the towns still got a little bit of work to do, to be honest. Obviously there’s a number of pubs here, and it can’t feel a little bit intimidating when there’s people standing outside and being about.

“But, other than that, they [the council] are trying. They realise there’s an issue, and it needs to be sorted. You can’t blame the council for that because they are certainly trying, aren’t they?”

Shopper Helen Dunnaway is on the same page. While she loves the area, with the seaside, rolling hills, lakes, and great connections, she said the high street is “dying”.

Pointing at the floor which has been relaid, she said it was a “waste of money”. Repaving the high street was part of the Littlehampton Town Centre Public Realm improvements, which came at a total cost of around £6 million.

Talking about when she first moved here 20 years ago, she said: “There was a lot more life in the town with lot more shops and a lot more people milling about. Now, like every town, they jump in the car and go to the big supermarkets on the outskirts.”

Ms Dunnaway would like to see lower business rates introduced so that more shops could move in, resulting and a good mix of retailers, rather than coffee shops. Locals also tell us that several shops had become vape shops, Turkish barbers or tattoo parlours.

Arun District Council launched a grant scheme in June to help new retail businesses establish themselves in Littlehampton, with up to £3,000 to go towards costs like sign writing, painting and lighting.

We’re told that a fitness studio, an art studio, a Portuguese supermarket, and a new bookshop have opened recently in the town, although it is not known whether they used the grants.

About 85% of the town centre area, including the seafront and riverside, is independently run, according to Heather Allen, economic development officer at Arun District Council. 

“So you get that really kind of quirky, different feel. But you’ve still got your anchor chains.”

One new business is Rustic Revivals, a restoration shop that is a passion project of builder John Gill, as he enters semi-retirement after 45 years in the trade. He’s surrounded by tools and a range of upcycled furniture, like an antique wheelchair used by veterans.

“When I first took over in April, the local council, they were saying to me I’m the sixth new business that started this year in Littlehampton, so we’re really pleased.

“I think what’s happened as a result of half a dozen shops, it’s starting to lift it a little bit and it’s starting to bring people in from Rustington, Angmering, Arundel, all those sort of areas, people then come into Littlehampton now.”

While locals tell us there are still improvements to be made, especially on the high street, locals seem to acknowledge the council’s work. 

Next year, the council is looking to rebuild a restaurant that burned down on the seafront and build a 50-bed hotel on the seafront to boost tourism.

Pensioner Stanley, who is sitting on a bench overlooking the sea, embodies the hope in the area as he tells us: “It’ll get better in time.”