Funding boost for new Chichester health and welllbeing hub

The Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT), which was set up in 2009 as part of the sale of Graylingwell Hospital, has been raising money to convert the former Linden Homes sales and marketing office.

At a meeting of the full council on Friday (March 12), councillors agreed to release £141,250 of Section 106 money to the project.

Section 106 money is contributed to the community by developers via the council and can be used to help fund everything from affordable housing and roads to bus routes and youth services.

Some £205,000 set aside for sport and leisure projects is still unallocated and the money for the Trust will be taken from that pot.

A report to the meeting said the new hub would cost £727,900 to complete, with £586,650 raised so far thanks to donations and grants from elsewhere.

The trust plans to transform the glass-fronted side of the building into an open space where exercise classes can be held during the day, while talks and other events relating to physical and mental health will be held in the evening.

A spokesman for the trust said they were ‘immensely grateful’ to the council for the money, which will allow them to open the centre in June – lockdown rules permitting.

She added: “[It is] perfectly timed to provide the mental and physical health support that we will all need as we find our way out of lockdown restrictions, and look to re-build the strength of body and mind, as well as re-connect with the wider community.  

“This is very much a space for everybody – regardless of age or experience, fitness or circumstances. We will have classes and therapies for everybody’s taste, designed to help people simply feel better.  

“That will be supported by a pop-in café where we will be providing delicious food and drinks.  A space for the community to come together in, and enjoy the beautiful setting of Havenstoke Park.  

“Work is beginning immediately, with the preparation phase already completed meaning that we can open our doors almost as soon as regulations allow.”