Vision for Chichester to set out blueprint for next 20 years

Last September Chichester District Council agreed to invest £50,000 in this major partnership project to help improve and support the local economy.

Working with more than 20 project partners including Chichester Festival Theatre, Goodwood, Chichester Cathedral, Stagecoach, Chichester College, West Sussex County Council, Chichester City Council, the Chichester BID and Visit Chichester, the aim is to prepare a clear vision for the city until 2035.

The themed workshops start on 24 February and will be attended by representatives from a range of local groups and organisations. Each workshop will focus on a different theme:

a place to do business;

a place to visit;

a place to shop;

ease of getting around;

a greener centre;

a place to live; and

a place to study.

It is hoped that the first draft Vision will be ready in spring. In summer members of the public, businesses and community organisations will be invited to submit their views on the draft.

A final document will be published in autumn and approved by the Vision Project and Streering Group in November. It will then be officially adopted by all partner organisations before the end of this year.

“This is a really exciting opportunity to think about our wonderful city and consider how we want Chichester to evolve while retaining its beauty,” explains Councillor Gillian Keegan, cabinet member for commercial services at Chichester District Council.

“Organisations from across the city will be looking at a range of issues such as what residents want, how we attract more business and visitors and how we improve transport.

“We know that people value Chichester’s beauty and history.

“This project aims to bring together everyone’s ideas in order to make the most of what the city has to offer economically, culturally and also as a place to live, work, visit and do business.

“The aim of the Vision will be to look at all aspects of what makes a successful city and then protect our uniqueness while also developing opportunities that will bring economic growth and jobs to the area to enable it to flourish.”

Once approved, the Chichester Vision will be central to economic and planning policy for the city. The aims of the Vision are to:

be a clear, locally supported, vision of the function and future of the city;

develop Chichester as a vibrant and attractive commercial and cultural location, serving residents, workers and visitors.

identify development opportunities;

increase the profile and promotion of the city;

attract significant new inward investment and funding;

create substantial economic growth and create jobs.

create a first class destination for shoppers.

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