Plans to make Bishop's Palace in Chichester a community space

Dr Martin Warner, Bishop of Chichester, came up with the idea to turn the Bishop’s Palace in Canon Lane, Chichester into a facility to be used by community groups.

The church wants to raise £250,000 for the work needed start the development of the palace.

The Bishop currently lives in the palace along with the arch-deacon, but they only use a small portion of it and want to make it more of a public space.

Bishop Martin said: "Our churches work with people of goodwill who contribute to the common good in many ways.  We regard this partnership as a privilege, and we learn so much from it.

There will be several events in the palace garden in July

"My vision is for a church that continues to partner with other organisations to look after the marginalised, elderly, refugees, poor families, youths, and young people especially those struggling with mental health issues due to the pandemic, thereby playing our part in community development where sustainable communities are created and supported, and rural poverty is eradicated.”

The Bishop will welcome a wide range of groups at the palace for a weeklong series of receptions from July 18.

Among the groups being offered hospitality are refugees and those who organise their wellbeing in this country. 

Chichester Cathedral

There will also be local civic leaders, representatives of the world of education and those who serve in local parishes.

The funding will go towards renovating rooms inside the palace so they can be available for community groups to use.

Bishop Martin added: “My vision is of a community where our heritage and legacy are preserved and used for the common good, and where the arts become a source of inspiration and community cohesion. 

“We are also committed to meeting the goal to be carbon free by 2030, thus providing local and global sustainability by everyone doing their bit."