Former Laura Ashley store in Chichester opens as community asset

Former Laura Ashley retail unit in The Hornet, Chichester, has had a 'fantastic make-over' and has been transformed into a new community building, 'One-O-Four'.

The formal opening of this new community resource was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Chichester cllr Richard Plowman, and the High Sheriff of Chichester Davina Irwin-Clark.

The building has been re-purposed by Revelation Family Church with a vision to be a welcoming place for anyone in the community to find a range of help and support.

The building will provide quality facilities for a number a number of charities and specialist community groups, working with those on the margins of society.

Dan Slatter, senior leader, Revelation Family Church said: “We hope to develop our care for those in need and provide a welcoming space for others with a similar vision to bring change and hope through projects.

"Our aim is to help practically, facilitate and through this bring change to the marginalised and vulnerable in our city”

Revelation Family Church was generously given the use of the building by local property company, Store Property.

Sarah Wickens, managing director of Store Property Investments Limited said: "We recognise that they offer assistance in so many different ways to several diverse but equally vulnerable groups and individuals in our City.

"We are delighted that we can work with them on this project and assist their efforts through provision of this building.

"We have every belief it will become a vital asset to the local community providing charities and groups with a modern and welcoming hub from which to run their activities and offer support and assistance to those in need."

The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Mrs Davina Irwin-Clark said: “It is so encouraging to see a generous versatile space opening up in Chichester committed to meeting so many needs of the vulnerable in the city.

"The lead partner, Revelation Family Church, has a great track record of very varied pioneering work among the marginalised, and I have no doubt this facility will extend their offering of support to greater numbers. I am delighted to endorse it.”