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postnewspapers.co.uk
Friday, October 4, 2019
ChangingTimes
By Sylvia Endacott
The progressive 'Monte Carlo' of Bognor Regis Marine Park Estate was seen as the epitome of modern architecture. WE regularly hear about the changing face of our town, but even in July, 1967, there were articles extolling the virtues of a new development in the town. THe report said: “It is the start of what the planners hope to make into a British Estoril, Biarritz, Monte Carlo or Las Palmas - velte, elegant and progressive in the modern trend of architecture.” THe area in question is around the Marine Park Gardens of Aldwick, West Bognor. However, first we should look back to the beginning of the development in this particular area. It was in 1926 when the Bognor Regis Urban District Council purchased an area of 23½ acres of land with a boundary of the Aldwick Road, the Esplanade and Mill Lane, today known as Nyewood Lane. Mr. W.H.B. Fletcher owned this land and as a result of an auction at the Royal Norfolk Hotel, the council paid £15,500. Mr Fletcher retained the rights to the seafront, foreshore and tamarisk hedge, hoping that in the future they would pass to the local authority. THe council then proceeded to sell some of the land to developers, but they retained a length of land running parallel to the sea to be developed as a public garden. THis was then to become the Marine Park Gardens we know today. In 1931 a brochure was produced by H.W. Seymour, developer and local builder, regarding
a new development, the Marine Park Estate. THe brochure said: “It was designed with a view to refreshing the memories of those who are acquainted with the district of West Sussex. "It is a straightforward statement of fact, devoid of sentiment or stupid padding and will, we hope, create in those contemplating retirement or residence in the South, a desire for further detailed information.” THe brochure reported on the climate and vicinity, and also advised future purchasers about the type of homes, bricks, mortgages etc that were to be available. It continued: “THe Marine Park Estate is freehold, and lies immediately on the west of Bognor Regis, but enjoys the facilities offered by the town in respect to electricity, water, gas, main drainage.” Advertising literature still used the visit of the King on a positive note, with comments like, “the seafront is continuous with that of Craigweil House and Aldwick, and thus offers the sheltered healthfulness and wholesomeness, that was such a telling factor in guiding His Majesty’s physicians to select Bognor Regis as the venue for His Majesty’s convalescence.” THis estate was finally developed and consisted of the area we now know as Wessex Avenue, Princess Avenue, Selsey Avenue, Kings Parade and Silverston Avenue. No doubt they were to enjoy the attributes of
When Princess Alexandra visited the town in 1968, she opened the scented garden in Marine Park Gardens. At the time it had eighteen different varieties of aromatic plants, each with a nameplate printed in Braille.
f The garden's iconic water fountain
f An old postcard
f Marine Gardens and the Russell Hotel
this estate as described further in the brochure that the estate was “so situated that invasion by trippers, charabanc parties and others is indeed a remote contingency. “THus, residents can enjoy the quiet serenity of the seaside, minus the jangle of bands, Pierrots and other impediments, inevitable common to more public parts.” By 1935 the work had also been completed on the gardens, and these were opened by William Fletcher, who performed the opening ceremony by cutting a ribbon with a special pair of scissors. Many years later the Bognor Regis Local History Society also used these scissors when they performed the opening ceremony of their Museum in Hotham Park. In 1936, the gardens were well illuminated, as they appeared to be flat with no trees. THe illuminations were to enliven the area. THe main decorative feature of the park was the fountain, which had an incredible 63 jets of water which ‘emitted whirling sprays of water’ over the figure in the centre. THere were also four floodlights with special silvered glass reflectors to play on the water sprays, which was to make a focal attraction in the park. THe next major event for this area was that reported at the beginning of this article. In 1967, when another development was to take place, the main contractors were advertising the construction of “Marine Parade” on Kings Parade. THe development was to consist of an “ultramodern group of elegant flats for those who are seeking only the best for living on the coast.” THese flats were offered for sale from £6,250 to £8,500, each with a ground rent of £30 per annum, which I am sure today’s resident would welcome! THe flats were to be fully carpeted and with
maximum sound insulation. I was interested to read that one of the attributes of these flats was the introduction: “From across the Atlantic at last comes the highly effective automatic porter operating from the outer lobby door on the ground floor when the flesh and blood porter locks up at dusk. "THis consists of a microphone for callers, etc etc.” An interesting addition, but one which today we take as normal in blocks of flats. THese constructions were not without opposition from other local residents, because they believed that they broke a covenant, which stated that “No house or building erected on any part of the land shall be used for any other purpose than as a private or professional resident, or as a private school or for the letting of apartments.” THose opposing these developments felt that any relaxation in rulings would “lead to the collapse of the whole system of control on the estate.” In 1968, Princess Alexandra visited Bognor Regis to open the Russell Hotel, which had been purchased by the London Association for the Blind. It had been adapted to take blind and partially sighted guests. While in Bognor Regis, she also opened a scented garden, which was created by the Bognor Regis Urban District Council in Marine Park Gardens,. At that time it contained 18 different varieties of aromatic plants, each with a nameplate printed in Braille. Now, of course, this hotel has been demolished and rebuilt ready for all the new holidaymakers requiring their service. THis is now occupied by residents of Ashley House from Aldwick Road. THis is a somewhat hidden area of our town, which has various aspects for us to explore.