By Jeremy Brown, Acquisitions Director for Brasserie Bar Co And Chichester BID Director
“In April Chichester was named the best place to live in the Southeast by the Sunday Times, they said: ‘Chichester has both class and a heart. The beautiful historic town has welcomed the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per head in the country. It has good schools and transport links but it’s the easy access to both the South Downs and Chichester Harbour plus a healthy dose of culture from the Festival Theatre and Pallant Gallery that elevate it far above the south coast sprawl.’
3500 new homes are being built in and around the city, homes that are sought after by the 25-40 year old, family demographic and there are more visitors coming and staying in the hotels, B&B’s and holiday lets to enjoy the city and its surroundings. There are great days out to be had in the area but the importance of a vibrant and mixed night time economy mustn’t be under estimated, it contributes to shaping a place where people want to live, drives tourism and bring far reaching benefits to the community.
The city needs to continue to provide a variety of activities, events, offers, brands, cuisine, and venues that make up a dynamic night time economy but continue to innovate and ensure that we have choices that appeal to all ages. Good use of outside space, appropriate licensing and policing help facilitate this and in time we would expect to see more venues and activities as economic confidence grows and investment is made.
Chichester BID is launching the Alive After Five Gift Card to help support Chichester’s Night Time Economy, ideal to give to somebody to enjoy as a present or reward and support the pubs, brasseries, restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas and the events that people take so much time and effort to put on for our enjoyment.”