Bognor Regis BID is working with local artist Ben Cavanagh to bring a popular attraction from the town’s heritage to the heart of London Road.
The new mural depicts some of the animal residents from the various zoos that operated in Hotham Park from the early 1950s to the late 1980s. Over the years, the zoos were home to a variety of animals including bears, lions, tigers, monkeys, and exotic birds. They also featured more common animals such as goats, sheep, and rabbits, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages. By following the QR code on the mural, people will be able to learn more about the history of zoos at Hotham Park on a new page on the Love Bognor Regis website, developed with the support of Bognor Regis Museum.
The mural is the latest art installation being delivered by the BID using funding awarded from Arun District Council’s allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows the opening of the Augment Reality “Bognor Regis Time Portal” in late March, which has now recorded nearly 20,000 activations using the unique QR code.
BID COO, Heather Allen said: “Businesses want the BID to deliver activity that changes the way people think about the town. This project, celebrating Bognor Regis’s vibrant heritage through really visible installations does just that. It’s exciting to support an initiative that showcases the town’s rich history in a fun and accessible way, and also makes the town more welcoming. Ben is a brilliantly talented local artist, and it’s fantastic to be able to give him the opportunity to showcase his work in a prominent location again”
The installations form part of a wider project to change perceptions of Bognor Regis, which was identified as a priority by all local partners through the Bognor Regis Town Centre Forum, which includes officer and Elected Members representatives from, BR Town Council, BR Regeneration Board, BR BID, Arun District Council and West Sussex County Council. While improving perceptions of the town is a shared goal, this particular project is being driven by Bognor Regis BID.
Find out more about Ben’s professional murals and street art across Sussex on his website:
Find out more about Hotham Park Zoos here: https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/zoos/
Comments