Chichester Free School awarded at Trust Awards
The Sussex Heritage Trust is dedicated to recognising and celebrating exceptional conversion, restoration, and new build projects within Sussex. These accolades aim to highlight the importance of preserving the region’s architectural heritage while encouraging innovative design and construction practices that enhance the community.
Chichester Free School was proudly entered into the ‘Public and Community’ award category. This category honours projects that provide or significantly improve facilities accessible to the community, promoting a sense of shared space and community benefit.
The history of the site where Chichester Free School now stands adds a layer of cultural and historical significance to the project. The site was originally home to the Carmelite Convent in Hunston, West Sussex. Built in 1870, the convent was a significant religious and architectural landmark. However, after being vacated in 1994, the building suffered from neglect and fell into a dilapidated state.
Recognising the potential of this historic site, the project undertook a comprehensive rebuilding and renovation process. The vision was to create a new ‘all through’ school that would serve students from early years through to secondary education. Central to this vision was the incorporation of the original convent structure, which was meticulously restored and repurposed to become the ‘Heart of the School’. This integration of old and new not only preserved the historical essence of the convent but also provided a unique and inspiring environment for education.
The successful completion of the Chichester Free School project is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaborative efforts of the entire team involved. Their commitment to restoring the convent and transforming it into a modern educational facility has been recognised and celebrated by the Sussex Heritage Trust, underscoring the project’s positive impact on the community and its role in preserving local heritage.
Congratulations to all the team members who contributed to bringing the Chichester Free School project to fruition. Your efforts have not only revitalised a historic site but have also provided a valuable resource for the community, ensuring the legacy of the Carmelite Convent endures in a meaningful and beneficial way.
