We have embarked on a journey to turn Graylingwell Chapel into a multi-purpose, warm and inviting space that will serve the community and Chichester for decades to come. It is a wonderful piece of the Graylingwell story and we want to bring you on the journey with us as we work to renovate and convert this wonderful chapel.
A little history…
Construction of West Sussex County Asylum, which later became known as Graylingwell Hospital, started in 1894 and was completed in 1897. Graylingwell Chapel was also completed in 1897. Both the hospital and chapel were designed by architect Sir Arthur Blomfield, who was renowned for designing churches as well as the Royal College of Music in London. Graylingwell Chapel served as the place for reflection and calm for patients and staff for Graylingwell Hospital until 2000.
The chapel is located in the heart of the Graylingwell Park and is situated in close proximity to the development’s sales office and Havenstoke Park. To the south of the chapel is Chapel Green, a small area of grass and mature trees. Since 2009, the chapel has been used by the community and faith groups for activities, learning and worship.
When Graylingwell Hospital was sold in 2009 to developers, a planning agreement was made between Chichester District Council and the developers: it specified that the chapel would be transferred as a freehold asset to Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) to safeguard for the community.
What have we been doing?
In July 2014, CCDT was awarded a £10k grant to fund the planning ahead of the asset transfer of the Chapel. This funding paid for:
- A full structural survey
- A heating and energy assessment of the building
- Tax and VAT advice
- Grade II listing advice
- Business planning advice and support
- Board and governance support and training
Once this work was completed, we wrote a business plan and strategy which included a timeline to work with the developers to begin the asset transfer process.
We spent a long time talking to and learning from trusted organisations that have experience in the field (Architectural Heritage Fund, Locality, Shared Assets and The Princes Regeneration Trust). We concluded that the only way to get the best result for the chapel and the community would be to get agreement that the building would be passed to CCDT with a sum of money (an endowment or legacy payment) from the developers rather than the developers creating it “fit for purpose” as per the original planning agreement. During this period, the masterplan review was also taking place for the whole of the development and this gave CCDT a unique opportunity to renegotiate the terms of the transfer of Graylingwell Chapel.
By passing the building to CCDT with a legacy fund, we can seek further funding from sources including the Heritage Lottery, sponsors, trusts and foundations and we would be able to do more than make the building “fit for purpose”; we would be able to make the chapel a warm, inviting multi-purpose space that will be in good condition for decades to come. This building could then be used by all areas of the community, residents and groups and provide this area of Chichester with a much needed facility. CCDT has a good track record of obtaining external funding and has worked with the Heritage Lottery and other funders to deliver successful projects over the last 3 years.
Since late 2014 we have been working with the developers on site, Linden Homes and Affinity Sutton, to design and produce a specification and a sum of money that would cover the basic restoration of the chapel. Once agreed, ownership will be transferred.
What’s the next step?
Once the legacy amount has been agreed between CCDT and the developers, and Chichester District Council has seen the plans and agreed them as well, the legal side of the transfer of the building will begin. We have submitted a grant application in February to the Heritage Lottery fund for £10k as a start-up grant and if successful this will fund a full consultation on future use for the building with the local community, partners, stakeholders and Chichester residents. The results will be used to produce full architect’s plans for the future development of the site. Once the asset has been signed over to CCDT, we can start to seek the funding needed to make the Chapel truly great again. Once secured (we will be successful; we have total faith in that!) we will then engage with a team of experienced conservation builders who will take forward this exciting project.
The end result!
The reconditioned building will be used by the community for education and training, social activities, leisure pursuits, information centre, soft play and a place of worship.
We will keep you posted with news as the project develops… and take you on this fantastic journey with us. If you would like to know more or volunteer your time to help take this project (we have lots of volunteer roles available with particular to the Chapel project) we would love to hear from you – contact clare@wptest.chichestercdt.org.uk.
