An opening celebration was held this week at Hotham Park Cafe to recognise Arun District Council’s vision and commitment to bringing the project to life and funding the main building work, and the hard work and splendid results achieved by everyone involved in delivering the project on time and to budget.
The occasion was marked by a gathering of senior Members and officers from local councils, the architect and builder, the café operator, other park stakeholders, and representatives of key local businesses.
Arun District Council Chairman, Councillor Andy Cooper, and the Arun District Council Leader, Councillor Mrs Gillian Brown, spoke to thank and congratulate everyone involved in this unique project.
Cllr Cooper said: “In just one month since the café opened we can already see what a great asset it is to Hotham Park, Bognor Regis and the Arun district”.
Cllr Mrs Brown said: “I am confident that Tom Barnes’ team here are the right team for the job and will add great value to the visitor experience of our wonderful and stunningly beautiful park.”
The architect Phil Brown was congratulated on how well his design sits within the unique park environment. The building contractor Falcon Homes was thanked for overcoming adverse weather and complex ground conditions to deliver the café shell to the operator in time for the fit-out and opening in June. Tom Barnes’ team was praised for the simple and attractive fit-out, and the quality of both the café’s food and drink offer which majors on local produce, and the cheerful and attentive service provided by the café’s service team.
Tom Barnes, the café’s operator, said: “The first month has gone really well. Every week there have been more customers visiting than the previous week. My team and I are looking forward to welcoming you to the Hotham Park Café so you can sample the freshly made food and drink for yourself.”
Arun District Council has invested £400,000 to build the café and install the attractive lighting scheme in the park as part of its wider regeneration plans for Bognor Regis
Cllr Mrs Brown added: “I hope people visiting and living in Bognor Regis take to opportunity to visit the new café. There’s something for everyone and all the family, whether you just want a great cup of coffee or a full evening meal, and the café is open 7 days a week between 8am and 9.30pm, with the kitchen closing at 8.30pm.”
