An investment of £5 million from Coast to Capital LEP is supporting the regeneration of mainly brownfield land sites within the Chichester City area as part of the Southern Gateway Development scheme. The project aims to turn the 30-acre area into a vibrant and attractive new quarter.
The major regeneration scheme will provide new housing conveniently close to all amenities and also help provide local jobs and strengthen the economy by attracting high growth, high value sectors such as finance, digital, pharmaceutical and creative industries to the area.
On completion the site will feature:
- 365 new homes
- 21,600 square metres of new commercial space including business space, retail space, and leisure and tourism facilities which will create over 1,000 new jobs
- improved transport links with a focus on cycling, walking and public, transport
- public space enhancements and landscaping.
The area earmarked for regeneration includes several areas of land: the bus station and garage, Basin Road car park, the law courts Chichester Police Station former playing fields, part of the former high school, and the Royal Mail buildings.
A key aim in addition to housing and employment is to help reduce the dominance of traffic in this part of the city. It will also make it more attractive and better connect the city centre to the canal basin and public transport hubs.
The key to unlocking the site is the re-location of two major businesses; the bus station and Royal Mail and works have started to find alternative locations within the City.
Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital said:
"Chichester is a unique city with a vibrant blend of culture, heritage and modern innovation. Investing in economic growth is a priority for us and we are thrilled to be part of a project that will greatly benefit both residents and visitors alike. We look forward to seeing future developments as the wider scheme comes to fruition"
Tony Dignum, Leader of Chichester District Council said:
"I'm extremely pleased that we have secured this major funding source - it will provide a real springboard for delivering this landmark project"
"The money comes from the Government's Local Growth Fund and is allocated to projects which have the aim of boosting the local economy at their heart. Out of all the projects that bid for LEP funding, we have received one of the highest amounts of funding which is a superb recognition of the importance of this regeneration to our locality."
"The Southern Gateway project involves working very closely with other public sector landowners in the area, and this has been key to it being prioritised and included in West Sussex County Council's recently announced Growth Deal for Chichester. By working with local partners and securing this important LEP funding, we will now be able to unlock further public and private investment so we can press ahead with delivery. The funds will be used to assist relocations of existing key businesses and cover abnormal development costs that have prevented the regeneration being delivered for the past two decades."
"We'll continue to update residents and businesses about this exciting project as it progresses."
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