A Chichester charity will be developing a health and wellbeing hub thanks to funding of £141,250 which has been released by Chichester District Council.
The money will go to the Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) and was agreed at Chichester District Council’s Full Council meeting on Friday 12 March.
The funding comes from Section 106 money which is collected from housing developers to spend on community improvements and facilities. The money is collected when there is a need to balance the pressure created by a new development with improvements to the surrounding area.
Chichester Community Development Trust represents the needs of new communities on the Graylingwell and Roussillon Park sites in Chichester. Over the years it has taken on responsibility for several existing buildings such as the Graylingwell Chapel and it now owns and manages them for the benefit of these new communities. As part of this work, the trust will be taking ownership of the original sales building on Havenstoke Park and is now planning to transform it into a health and wellbeing hub for the local community.
When completed, the facility will offer a range of sport, health and wellbeing events and activities. This will include sporting and community opportunities for young people and creating programmes to tackle social isolation. Any profits secured from the project will be used to offer free or subsidised activities for those facing financial hardship.
The new health and wellbeing hub will complement the wide range of existing projects and events that the trust delivers for residents.
“I’m delighted that this money will help deliver such a worthwhile project to residents in these new developments,” says Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council. “Our health and wellbeing is so important, especially at the moment, and so I look forward to seeing what a positive difference the new hub will make.”
Trust director, Clare de Bathe says: “The funding received from Chichester District Council will make such a tangible difference to this project. It will enable us to support even more people to feel stronger and better as we move on from the immense impact that COVID-19 will leave behind, caring for their bodies and minds.
“The Pavilion is a space where all bodies are welcome, where people can connect with others, or simply focus on building themselves back up. Not only will it have wonderful facilities but the location of The Pavilion is so beautiful that it brings with it a therapy of it’s own, even for those simply stopping to enjoy some nutritious food and drinks from the café. We are immensely grateful to the Council and with these funds we aim to open the doors to the public by early summer.”
People can follow the project by going to @thepavilionchichester on Twitter.
