Chichester Place Board takes next step in delivering shared vision for the Chichester area
Representatives from businesses, organisations, and public sector partners came together on Wednesday 14 October for the first meeting of the Chichester Place Board, marking another important milestone in the delivery of the Chichester Story initiative.
Plans to establish four delivery sub-groups, including a Chichester Ambassadors group that will explore new opportunities to promote the district through a shared voice, are among the first actions agreed by the Board as it begins work to champion Chichester and support future growth.
The Place Board follows the launch of the Chichester Story initiative in September. A key part of the Chichester Regeneration Strategy, the project aims to help businesses, organisations and residents tell a shared story about the area, raising awareness of everything Chichester has to offer while supporting investment, growth and opportunity.
The Board brings together representatives from the business, culture, tourism and education sectors to lead a place-led approach that champions Chichester and the wider area through a shared identity and consistent message. Representatives from Goodwood, Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester Cathedral, Weald & Downland Living Museum, the University of Chichester, Chichester Society, West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council, Chichester City Council, the Chichester Observer, The Great Sussex Way, Blue Spire Accountants, Thesis Technology, and City Gates Development Ltd were among those who attended.
At the meeting, members appointed Helen Marshall as Chair of the Place Board and Paul Rolfe as Vice-Chair. Helen is Chair of the Chichester Business Improvement District (BID), while Paul chairs Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Members then discussed the Board's roles, responsibilities and ways of working, helping to establish a framework for collectively promoting and championing the area.
During the meeting, Board members agreed the next phase of delivery. Key actions included the creation of a series of themed sub-groups to support the delivery of the Place Board's objectives: Marketing and Communications, Chichester Ambassadors, Chichester Vision, and Business Growth. Each group will involve representatives from organisations and individuals with expertise in these areas, helping to develop projects, share ideas and drive activity that supports the wider ambitions of the area.
The Chichester Ambassadors group will bring together individuals and organisations to build stronger connections, share knowledge and gain a better understanding of each others activities through a programme of supported networking opportunities. This will include exploring opportunities for events and collaborative campaigns that showcase the areas strengths through consistent and positive messaging to residents, visitors, businesses and investors.
Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, said: "The launch of the Chichester Story initiative has demonstrated the huge amount of enthusiasm that businesses, organisations and individuals have to work together and champion our area. It was really encouraging to see that same commitment reflected in the discussions at the Place Board meeting.
"The wide range of organisations represented on the Board highlights the shared ambition that exists to showcase everything the Chichester area has to offer. By bringing together expertise from business, culture, tourism, education and local government, we can create a positive, stronger and more consistent voice for the area and identify new opportunities for growth and investment."
Helen Marshall, Chair of the Chichester Place Board and Chair of Chichester BID, said: The Place Board has brought together an impressive mix of organisations who share a genuine commitment to the future of our area. The progress that has already been made demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations come together behind a common purpose.
"Through the Board and delivery sub-groups, we will create dedicated forums that can develop ideas and turn ambition into action. By working together, we can build on the momentum created through the Chichester Story launch, strengthen our reputation and create opportunities that benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike. One of these delivery groups is the Chichester Ambassadors, which will work with partners to promote a consistent and compelling story about Chichester, helping to raise the area's profile among residents, visitors, businesses and investors.
"This is about creating a Team Chichester approach, built around a shared ambition and a shared story. Together, we can create a stronger voice, showcase everything the area has to offer, unlock new opportunities and support a successful future."
Developed through extensive engagement with residents, businesses, partners and community representatives, the place narrative project reflects the area's distinctive blend of heritage, culture, natural beauty and ambition for the future. Research and experience from destinations across the UK, including York, Bath and Shrewsbury, demonstrate that strong place branding can help attract investment, support local businesses, strengthen visitor economies and contribute to wider economic growth.
The Place Board will continue to meet quarterly to oversee the delivery of the Chichester Story initiative and support activities that promote the Chichester area as an attractive place to live, work, study, visit and invest.