Consultants appointed to deliver regeneration strategy for Chichester city

The council has commissioned AR Urbanism, supported by a team of highly experienced professionals — including Rolfe Judd Planning, Heritage Storeys and Urban Delivery — to start exploring options and working up designs for the strategic regeneration sites that have been identified within the strategy.

Adopted in October last year, the strategy aims to make the city better connected; greener, healthier and safer; diverse and inclusive; and economically prosperous.

Last month, the council completed a tender exercise to identify an urban design team with knowledge and experience in developing masterplans for strategic sites and shaping public spaces. It measured submissions against a set criteria and budget.

"We've already made great progress with several important elements of the strategy, but appointing a specialist consultant to undertake the extensive work required to assess the options available for each of the strategy's regeneration sites is really key to progressing this important project," says Cllr Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council.

"I'm very pleased to say that we have now appointed the consultant, AR Urbanism, and the team will press ahead to explore options and work up designs for key district council owned sites that are identified within the strategy, including the bus station, bus depot, and Basin Road car park.

"Over the summer, the team will develop initial schematic plans of the options available for development of each of the sites. These options will then be shortlisted by the council's Regeneration and Growth Board before further work is done to develop the schematics and work up detailed costings."

When assessing the options for the sites, the contractor will carefully consider the historic setting, including the character and/or designation of the location; any nearby listed buildings; design and sustainability; access and parking; and affordable housing and public open space requirements.

"The regeneration sites included in the project have been identified because they offer the opportunity for significant and positive change to the area and have the potential to deliver the most social and economic benefit to our communities," explains Adrian. "The development of these district council owned sites should act as a catalyst for other landowners to bring forward sites for regeneration. This is why this strategy is so important — it's about the council working to help accelerate potential opportunities for the benefit of the city."

The council's Regeneration Strategy aims to provide a framework for future decision-making, including setting parameters for development, utilising public owned assets, and identifying regeneration priorities.

"Working collaboratively has been a really important part of the development of this strategy," adds Adrian. "Over the past couple of years, we have worked with over 80 stakeholders, including local businesses, resident organisations and local government organisations who have an invested interest in the city and its future success, to develop the strategy. Prior to this there was no over-arching strategy to bring regeneration and place-making opportunities together and so this is a really exciting opportunity for our historic city.

"This strategy has provided us with the opportunity to set out the key sites for regeneration and changes to the city that can help respond to wider issues, including creating more jobs and homes; improving digital infrastructure; and boosting the economy. The strategy also aims to improve investment, infrastructure, and the physical look of the city."

People can find out more and read the strategy on our 'Regeneration Strategy' web page.

Date posted: 29 May 2025

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