Our story so far
Built in the late 1890s, Marchwell Stables are part of the historic Graylingwell Farm, as part of the Graylingwell Hospital estate. The stables, along with the surrounding yard, were a key part of the asylum’s farmyard. In the 1950s, the inmates transformed the stables into a social centre, turning a place of work into a space of connection and community.
In 2024 the buildings were in a state of disrepair and in need of restoration when the Chichester Community Development Trust took ownership of the Stables as a freehold asset, ensuring its future sustainability.
The vision is clear: the Stables will become a thriving community makers space. It will be home to artists, creative businesses, social entrepreneurs and third-sector organisations. Here, collaboration and peer support will flourish, fueling creativity and enterprise while advancing the mission of CCDT.
Listening to the Community
At CCDT, the community comes first. Our work is rooted in the voices of residents, and every decision we make is informed by their input. The need for the Studios was identified through extensive consultation led by our community development team. We gathered feedback through questionnaires, local events, task group meetings, and research with agencies and service providers. The results have been clear and decisive and there’s a strong need for this space.
The success of our co-working space at the newly renovated Water Tower has further achieved this need. Conversations with local freelancers and organisations have not only confirmed interest but opened doors to early-stage discussions about securing space in the Stables.
Building for the Future
Marchwell Stables is about breathing new life into old buildings, but more importantly, it’s about building a future for the people who call this community home.
This project is about more than just space. Marchwell Studios will reach out to local makers, artists, startups, established creative businesses and social entrepreneurs. Together they will collaborate and grow.
As a community business, The Studios will reinvest its profits back into CCDT’s charitable activities, directly benefiting the disadvantaged residents who rely on our services. From youth clubs and ambassador programs to our community garden club and support for NEET young people, the impact will be felt across Graylingwell.