Residents and businesses invited to help shape a new place narrative for the Chichester area to support economic growth
Chichester District Council is inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to take part in a short survey that will help shape an important project which aims to raise the profile of Chichester and the surrounding areas and attract further commercial investment.
The council and its partners are encouraging as many people as possible to share their views, which will play a vital role in developing a shared story or place narrative that reflects the areas identity, ambition, and future potential. The survey, available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Chiches..., will run from 9am on Thursday 15 January until 11.59pm on Friday 6 February 2026.
A place narrative is a clear and consistent way of presenting the character, strengths and distinctiveness of an area, helping more people understand what it offers and why it stands out. A strong, unified, and shared identity can benefit the whole area — its businesses, organisations and visitor attractions — by creating a single, confident voice and image for Chichester and the surrounding area that can be utilised by all those with an interest in the area.
The initiative aims to boost the local economy, attract commercial investment, encourage families to live in the area, and increase visitor numbers by showcasing the Chichester areas unique qualities and opportunities.
This work forms part of the Chichester Regeneration Strategy, which was published late 2024. A wide range of major investment and improvement projects are already underway across the district — many as a result of the Strategy — and the council recognises the importance of bringing these activities together under a shared narrative. The new place identity will help ensure that the Chichester area is promoted with a clear, compelling, and consistent message.
The Chichester area is home to an exceptional range of assets — from its rich heritage and cultural offer to its outstanding natural landscapes, thriving businesses and vibrant communities. Yet the council believes there is a significant opportunity to tell Chichesters story in a clearer, more consistent and impactful way.
Research shows that a strong place brand is vital to the economic development and wellbeing of an area. It can create jobs and opportunities for residents, support the growth of local businesses, strengthen the visitor economy and cultural offer, enhance the reputation of an area, and help drive further improvement and investment.
Towns and cities across the UK — including York, Bath and Shrewsbury — have already demonstrated the positive impact that a place brand can have, including generating increased inward investment and business development, to wider economic benefits and growth in tourism.
The survey marks the first stage of a new partnership with consultants thinkingplace, who have been commissioned to work with key organisations, local businesses and the wider community to cocreate a compelling place identity for the area.
Our area has so much to be proud of, says Cllr Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council. We want to shine a light on everything that makes this such a special place, while supporting our existing businesses and organisations and helping to attract new ones. By developing a strong place brand, we can reach more people, strengthen our economy, and create new opportunities for everyone who lives, works, studies or visits here.
The project will focus on making the area an even better place to live and work, creating a destination where people want to spend time and money, understanding and showcasing the districts assets more effectively, ensuring Chichester and the surrounding area is a place where businesses choose to locate, stay and grow, and celebrating the natural, cultural and economic assets that surround the city.