Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) has received initial support* from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Marchwell Studios project, it was announced today.
Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to transform Grade II listed former Stables named ‘The Marchwell Studios’ into “Makers Spaces” that will provide a range of affordable and commercial spaces with the aim of supporting the sustainable growth of local makers and those facing barriers to employment in this sector.
Development funding of £138,920 has been awarded to help Chichester Community Development Trust progress their plans to apply for a full grant later.
With support from the Heritage Fund, CCDT will:
Work with a Project Manager, a Project Coordinator and activity plan consultant
Appoint a Lead Architect including CDM Coordinator, Quantity Surveyor, Mechanical and Engineering Consultant, Structural Engineer
Carry out surveys.
Deliver community consultation events and thinking days.
Support with designs for landscaping as well as Interpretation design
The former stables, as part of Graylingwell Hospital, has a fascinating history. Graylingwell Hospital, formerly known as the West Sussex County Asylum, has had a significant impact upon Chichester’s local community throughout the last century. In its day, as a medical institution, Graylingwell Hospital was at the forefront of mental health treatment in the UK and the development of psychiatry in the 20th century.
Commenting on the award, Clare de Bathe, director of CCDT, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We are going to make the most of this amazing opportunity; we want to save the building and heritage of the Marchwell Stables for future generations. The Studios will not only provide an incredible community of makers and creatives for Chichester but will also be a fascinating place to visit. The development grant is crucial in moving the project forward.”
Yvonne Mills, Partnerships Director, Countryside Partnerships – one of CCDT’S partners – said: “The Heritage Fund grant is a great boost for the CCDT and one that will ultimately see a significant milestone now get underway. The transformation of the Stables into a welcoming makers space is not only going to benefit the residents of Graylingwell Park, but also the wider Chichester community and we are thrilled to be part of this legacy.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to give our initial support to transform the former Marchwell Stables for the future. As the UK’s largest funder of heritage, we need to help our historic buildings in adapting and regenerating. This new space will play an integral part in the community, with a place for enterprise, learning and activities. We look forward to working with the team to progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.”
Notes to editors
About Chichester Community Development Trust
We make space for everyone in the community, transforming our buildings into inspiration-filled spaces that bring people together and our community to life. In each place, you’ll find something different to do or discover. It’s a real community effort. Here, people’s voices, ideas and input all inform how we make positive shared experiences and social moments happen. And we’re set on building bright futures, too. So, we make it our job to enable local entrepreneurs, organisations and creatives to have the opportunity to prosper, trialling concepts that deliver a positive social impact and where every enterprising penny of profit is reinvested to keep making space for all members of our community for years to come.
Further information – For further information, images and interviews please contact Clare de Bathe at CCDT clare@chichestercdt.org.uk
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
* National Lottery Heritage Fund grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. [x project] has initially been granted round one development funding of £138,920 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £1,225,977.
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Over the next ten years, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places, and the natural environment. The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund www.heritagefund.org.uk
