1 Overview
The updated Growth Deal sets out how we will invest in projects that help Chichester grow. Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council have agreed to work together and share resources.
The deal will support growth that is good for the environment and help attract visitors, businesses and people who want to live here.
It also supports the goals to improve the local economy in the West Sussex Economic Strategy 2025 to 2035.
Chichester city has a big opportunity to grow and improve.
The Growth Deal first started in 2018. It brought together plans from both councils so they could work in a joined-up way and make the most of growth in the area.
The councils work together through a partnership. This helps us create:
- new homes that people need
- support new shops and business spaces
- protect current jobs
- create new, better paid jobs
The deal focuses on key projects. These projects support the Chichester Vision and help attract investment into the city.
The world has changed in recent years, including the impact of Covid-19, climate change, changes to trade after Brexit and rising costs. So, we need to think differently about how services work. It gives us new chances to work better together across the public sector, use digital technology more, support flexible ways of working and use resources more efficiently.
Working together also means we can:
- share buildings and spaces
- join up services
- reuse spare land and buildings
- reduce carbon emissions
- support new business activity
In 2025, both councils updated the Growth Deal. The new deal focuses on working together and using resources wisely to get the best results for people in Chichester.
Find out more about the Chichester Growth Deal (PDF, 11.5MB)
2 Growth priorities
Chichester city centre
Southern Gateway
This area is a key part of the city where we can create new homes, jobs and spaces. We aim to:
- improve the former Year 7 site at Chichester High School
- create plans to improve sites owned by the council, including the bus station, bus depot, Basin Road car park and East Pallant House
- look for ways to improve nearby sites included in the Southern Gateway plan
- find solutions to problems that slow down development, such as funding, land ownership, access and planning rules
- work with partners to improve the railway station area and link it with better signs, digital tools and public spaces
Northern Gateway
This area is another key entrance to the city with space for redevelopment, including:
- looking at ways to improve sites such as the Fire and Rescue station, Metro House and other listed buildings
- working with experts to find better access to the site
- planning improvements to public spaces and walking and cycling routes
- reviewing crossing points and access around the road system to support future plans
Public spaces in the city centre
We will create a plan to improve public spaces in the city centre.
This plan will:
- make spaces safer
- create places that are easy for everyone to use
- support walking, cycling and visitors
- encourage new ways to use public spaces
- include digital features for the future
This work will include:
- better signs and directions
- improved mobile and digital services
- safer walking routes
- attracting investment to areas such as West Street
City centre public spaces
we have already started looking at improvements for North Street and East Street to support the principles and aims of the Chichester Vision.
Following a study, the county council published a Key Decision. This approved funding for the detailed design of the proposed improvements. We will work with local people and organisations affected by these changes. Designs will respect Chichester’s history while making streets safer and easier to use.
A public consultation took place in November 2024. 641 people shared their views. You can view a summary of the findings. The project is now moving into the design stage.
Digital connectivity and innovation
We will improve digital services across the city including:
- finding areas with poor mobile coverage and improve them
- creating outdoor digital connections to support new ways of using spaces
- supporting businesses and industries to grow using digital tools
- building strong digital systems that meet current and future needs
- digital improvements in other projects, such as public space upgrades
Strategic sustainable growth
Council land and buildings
We will make better use of council land and buildings. We will:
- use spare land in the city centre for new homes or business space
- review council buildings to check their condition and carbon impact
- share buildings and bring services together where possible
- develop key sites such as The Tannery, Northgate, Brick Kiln Farm and the former Year 7 site
- work with partners to develop suitable sites
Visitor economy
We will support tourism, culture and heritage by:
- improving public spaces and signage to make places more attractive
- improving the main entry points to the city
- exploring multi-use spaces in the city centre
- improving links to places outside the city, such as the coast and South Downs
- supporting evening and night-time activities
Travel and transport
We will support better ways to travel by:
- encouraging walking, cycling and public transport
- improving routes in the Local Cycling and Walking Plan
- including transport options in new developments
- looking for funding to support future transport projects
Skills and jobs
We will help people gain skills and find jobs. We will work with colleges, universities and businesses to support growing industries and provide different types of housing to help attract and keep students.