Chichester military building could become artists’ studio

The Drill Hall on East Row in Chichester, once part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate and previously used as a military prison, is set to be transformed into an arts hub under proposals submitted to Chichester District Council.

The scheme would see the Grade II listed building converted into a mixed-use development, featuring a ground-floor workshop and studio space for artists and a residential unit on the upper floor.

The application, submitted by Ms J Mawer, includes the demolition of an adjacent former rifle range building, to be replaced by a new single-storey structure for additional studio space.

The building served a number of military uses (Image: Google) Originally built in 1852 as a militia depot, the building has a varied history.

It was purchased by the Earl of March in 1879 to use as a stable, then returned to military use prior to the First World War, remaining in MoD use until it was sold to the applicant in 2022.

Its early military use included prisoner cells, and it had a long history of residential use on the upper floor, which was identified as Sergeant’s Quarters.

Its last military use was as a cadet hall. It has stood vacant since the end of its military use.

Ms Mawer, who owns the building, plans to use the upper floor as her home.

The ground floor will be offered as flexible studio space for local artists, makers, and crafters.

A new studio building will be constructed on the footprint of the former rifle range.

The green-roofed former rifle range would be replaced by a new artist studio (Image: Google) Ms Mawer is already active in the local arts community as the owner of Clothkits and Drapers Yard on The Hornet, also in Chichester. She believes there is strong demand for creative workspace in the city.

The project has received support from a local gallery, which has backing from Chichester University and West Dean College.

In the planning statement, Ms Mawer said the redevelopment would create an “artist’s hub” that would “enhance the cultural, creative and arts offer within the city”.

The Chichester Society has voiced its support for the project.

In a statement, the group said: “We support this application to repurpose this interesting property as a creative craft and makers’ workshop and studios, with a spacious residential apartment at first floor.”

Chichester City Council has also raised no objections to the plans.

The application remains under consideration.