Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) is thrilled to announce the successful securing of nearly £1.3 million in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This significant investment will enable the redevelopment of the derelict Hospital Farm Stables of the former West Sussex County Asylum (later renamed Graylingwell Hospital) into Marchwell Studios—an affordable and accessible hub for makers and creatives across the Chichester district and beyond.

Marchwell Studios will breathe new life into the historic site, providing much-needed creative spaces designed to support artists, entrepreneurs, and community members at every stage of their journey. The development will include:

• Five studios dedicated to supporting early-stage startups.
• Incubator spaces designed to help university graduates and individuals facing barriers to the arts, including poverty, disability, homelessness, or mental health challenges through partnership work with charity Outside In.
• Five full-sized studios for established creatives to expand and grow.
• Three studios focused on building social enterprises that benefit the local community.
• One workshop space for youth and community training programs aimed at preserving at-risk crafts and skills.
• Regular makers and creative fairs to engage the wider community in the creative sector.
• Direct engagement with over 2,000 individuals through free-to-attend events particularly benefiting the surrounding estates
• Creation of 12 new employment roles during the development phase alone.

Clare de Bathe, CEO of CCDT, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:

“The heritage of Graylingwell Hospital, with its pioneering work in mental health, including occupational and early art therapy, is a foundation we are proud to build on at Marchwell Studios. This funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund enables us to not only reflect that history in the space but to uphold its principles of care and creativity. By supporting those facing barriers, we’re creating hope, building new interests, and empowering individuals to find their own therapy through creativity. In these challenging times, this is more than a project—it’s a lifeline for building skills, confidence, and brighter futures.”

The £1.3 million grant is part of a wider £27 million national funding initiative aimed at preserving and revitalising heritage sites across the UK. Over the past 30 years, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £9.2 billion to over 52,000 projects, making it the largest dedicated grant funder of the UK’s heritage.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commented:

“It is wonderful to start the New Year investing in projects that are saving heritage treasures across the UK. With decades of shared memories, these exceptional buildings will be repurposed for the 21st century at the centre of communities and places. From a monumental Victorian water tower in Colchester and an iconic architectural landmark within Edinburgh’s World Heritage site, to the exciting Marchwell Studios in Chichester—we are working with those who care for heritage, transforming historic gems and positively adding to wellbeing and educational opportunities for young people, making heritage the focus of communities, places, and the UK economy.

Thanks to money raised from National Lottery players over the last 30 years, we have awarded £3.3 billion to more than 10,300 historic building and monument projects for the long-term, helping to ensure heritage is valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”

This exciting redevelopment project coincides with Heritage Treasures Day, celebrating the many heritage projects across the UK that have been preserved and revitalised thanks to funding from National Lottery players.  If you would like to find out more about the Marchwell Studios project take a look at the website at https://themarchwellstudios.com/ or email hello@themarchwellstudios.com.