The redevelopment of Marchwell Studios is entering its next stage, and the transformation of the historic Marchwell Stables into a contemporary makers’ hub is becoming increasingly visible. As we approach the end-of-year milestone, the project remains firmly on schedule, delivering both high-quality craftsmanship and meaningful heritage value to the Chichester community.
A Thoughtful Start: Preparing the Historic Stables
Since early autumn, Chichester Construct Ltd has been leading the redevelopment works, focusing first on an extensive programme of enablement. This phase has been all about carefully preparing the former stables for their new life while respecting the integrity of the listed structures. The team began by clearing and stabilising the old bays and stall areas, removing non-historic additions, and revealing original features that had long been concealed.
A great deal of attention has been devoted to safeguarding the existing character of the building — from protecting original timber and ironmongery to assessing the condition of drainage routes, electrical pathways, and ventilation needs. These early decisions set the tone for a sensitive yet forward-looking redevelopment, ensuring the building’s historic fabric will remain secure as modern workshop facilities are introduced.
Restoring the Brickwork and External Envelope
One of the most striking achievements in recent months has been the progress on the external brickwork. Much of this has involved painstaking conservation, including repointing with heritage-appropriate lime mortar and rebuilding areas that had suffered long-term structural deterioration.
A boundary wall that had reached the point of complete failure has now been fully reconstructed, and several areas of decayed brickwork have been stabilised or replaced to match the building’s original proportions. Repairs to arches, thresholds, and stable openings have helped restore the rhythm and architectural character of the courtyard-facing façades. These works reflect a commitment not only to structural durability but also to authenticity.
Conservation Excellence at the Heart of the Project
As the stables constitute a former listed complex, conservation has guided every major decision on site. Newly reinstated ridge lines have repaired the historic roof profile while improving weatherproofing, and specialist interventions on windows, lintels, and masonry have strengthened areas that had become compromised over time. The use of reclaimed and sustainably sourced materials has allowed the building to retain its patina of age, even as it transitions into a fresh and functional creative space.
Enhanced drainage and water management systems have also been introduced, providing vital long-term protection for the structure. Meanwhile, the restoration of fine detailing across the façades ensures the studios will retain the distinctive identity that makes the site so architecturally and culturally important.
Improving Movement, Access, and Future Use
While much of the recent work has focused on repairing and restoring the building itself, significant progress has also been made in shaping how people will move through and use the spaces once the studios open. New access routes have been created between the interior bays and the external courtyards, and threshold levels have been rationalised to support step-free movement throughout the site.
The team has also begun installing the service routes that will ultimately support workshop machinery, specialist craft tools, and other elements essential to the makers’ infrastructure. Landscaping preparation — from drainage improvements to ground-level adjustments — is laying the groundwork for attractive and functional communal outdoor areas.
Partnership Working and High-Quality Delivery
This project has been characterised by strong collaboration from the start. Chichester Construct continues to work in close partnership with heritage consultants, conservation officers, structural engineers, and the wider design team. Weekly site meetings and open communication channels have ensured that potential risks are managed proactively and that the works remain aligned with both the construction programme and the project’s conservation principles.
The result has been smooth delivery with no significant delays — a notable achievement for a complex heritage redevelopment.
Looking Toward the Final Phase
With the major structural and conservation repairs nearly complete, the project is now shifting its attention to the internal fit-out and finishing touches. Over the coming weeks, work will begin on installing internal services, makers’ infrastructure such as extraction and power systems, and the final fixtures and finishes that will define the character of the studios. External landscaping and courtyard activation will follow, helping to weave the site into the surrounding community. The project remains on track for its September 2026 completion date.
A New Chapter for Creative Chichester
The continued progress at Marchwell Studios demonstrates not only strong construction delivery but also a clear commitment to heritage, placemaking, and community impact. Once complete, the studios will offer an inspiring space for makers, crafters, artists, creative enterprises, and partners — providing long-term economic and cultural value while safeguarding a remarkable historic asset.
