Aldwick man who helped create Regis Centre bows out

Norman Keates left his work in Arun District Council's engineering department proud of his role in helping to shape the look of the area.

He worked on the structural design of the Regis Centre which was unveiled to the public in January 1977.

The building's design at the time was intended to be memorable and distinctive with its brick wall and slate roof.

Inside was a well-equipped theatre with 365 seats, a multi-purpose hall, a clubroom and a cafeteria.

Mr Keates said: "The work I carried out on the Regis Centre is definitely a highlight in my career as it was such a difficult building to design.

"But I am immensely proud of all the work I have carried out across Arun, as I feel like I have played a part in helping the district grow.

"I suppose you could call it my legacy. I am lucky that, even though I am leaving the council, I can still drive around Arun and see so many structures that I had a hand in delivering."

Also among them are the council's Arun Civic Centre at Littlehampton and the creation of the town's High Street.

Mr Keates said he was sad to leave the council after 41 and a half years but he was looking forward to his retirement. A holiday to see the Grand Canyon in America was his first ambition before he settles down to enjoy more time at his home in Aldwick.

He was born and raised in Bognor and joined the then Bognor Regis Urban District Council as an 18-year-old engineering learner after he completed his A-levels at William Fletcher School, now the town's community college.

He worked in Bognor Regis Town Hall until 1974 when Arun's formation saw him moved to Littlehampton as a senior structural engineer.

He stayed with the council until his retirement last Thursday. (MAR 13) He said his farewells at a celebratory leaving presentation organised by his colleagues in the engineering department.

Arun chief executive Ian Sumnall said Mr Keates's outstanding service record deserved celebrating.

"He has been a credit to the council and a wonderful asset thanks to his hard work and loyalty. It will be like losing a part of Arun when he goes.

"But he thoroughly deserves his retirement after all these years of service and we wish him all the best," he stated.