NEW PARK CENTRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH SPECIAL HERITAGE TALK & EXHIBITION

Published 13:57 on 31 Jul 2025

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, New Park Centre invites the community to take a nostalgic journey through time with Step Back in Time a special evening of storytelling, heritage and reflection on Wednesday 27th August, from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

Renowned local historian Alan Green will headline the event, bringing to life the fascinating story of New Park Centre, from its early days as Central Junior Boys School, through a period of near demolition, to its remarkable transformation into the thriving community hub it is today. Alan will be joined by a range of guest speakers who helped shape New Parks rich past and will also share exciting plans for the Centres future.

Complementing the talk, the Centres café bar will host a pop-up exhibition featuring photographs, press clippings, and personal stories from the past five decades. The Centre is calling on residents to help bring this display to life by contributing their memories, images, and keepsakes that reflect New Parks place in the community.

New Park has played a quiet but significant role in the life of Chichester for generations, said Alan Green. Its survival and transformation is a powerful story of community spirit. Im looking forward to sharing some of the lesser-known moments from its past and celebrating everything it has become.

This event is not just about looking back, its about honouring the people power that saved this space and celebrating the generations who made it thrive, added Allison McDonald-Hughes, Centre Manager. As we mark our 50th year, Step Back in Time is a powerful reminder of how vital New Park is to the heart of Chichester. Its a place shaped by the community, for the community. All the money raised by tickets sales for the event, will be invested into the centre which is charity run.

Tickets for Step Back in Time are just £5 and will be available to book from July via the Centres website: www.newparkcentre.org.uk and Eventbrite. 

Event Summary:

What: Step Back in Time Heritage Talk & Exhibition

When: Wednesday 27th August 7.30pm9.00pm

Where: New Park Centre, Chichester

Tickets: £5.00, Booking opens end of July

Info: www.newparkcentre.org.uk

Image credit: P. Dickson