Graylingwell Hospital

The characterisation work with English Heritage has been of invaluable use. In particular, English Heritage helped us to gain an understanding of the importance of key buildings and their potential use. This has been especially helpful to us in developing our plans for the overall project. David Ashworth, Area Director, English Partnerships

The former Graylingwell Hospital on the edge of Chichester, designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield, is an attractive unlisted building that makes a substantial contribution to the conservation area on the outskirts of this small cathedral city. In its surrounding parkland it creates a landscape of great character.

In preparing a brief for the hospital site, closed in 2003, English Partnerships needed to understand both the structure and the area in which it stood. In response, English Heritage carried out and supplied a characterisation study of the site. This gave an objective assessment of the heritage values of each part of the landscape, whether built or planted. The study helped developer, architect and local authority work together to make decisions about which parts should be retained and which could be demolished, without compromising the historic significance of the site.

The resulting development will be carbon-neutral. New structures, including affordable housing, will be created that generate as much energy as possible using solar panels. The grade II listed farmhouse and late Victorian chapel, as well as the hospital itself, are being conserved and adapted, while the grounds are being restored to provide a beautiful setting for the new community. New routes will be opened up through the area to enable circulation and access.

Parts of the site have already secured detailed planning permission with the remainder to be decided in consultation with Chichester District Council and the local community.