Latest news and events from across the Chichester District - Initiatives Newsletter

Latest news and events from across the Chichester District- Initiatives Newsletter

03/02/2026

Your monthly news update from Chichester District Council

Welcome to the February issue of initiatives+

This newsletter is issued every month with the latest news and events in our area, details of schemes and projects that will benefit our residents and businesses, as well as relevant national and local updates.

Raising Chichester's profile

Your views are needed to shape an important project which aims to raise the profile of Chichester and the surrounding areas and attract further commercial investment. Please fill in the short survey by 6 February.

Laser shows - coming soon!

Don’t forget that our exciting laser shows will be returning to Chichester Canal Basin on 20 and 21 February during the half term break. This year a third show will take place each evening. Find out more

Elmer in Chichester!

Children across the Chichester District are being invited to bring colour and fun to The Novium Museum's forthcoming 'Elmer and Friends' exhibition by taking part in an exciting community art project and creative competitions this spring. Find out more .

Survey for businesses

Businesses across our district are being encouraged to take part in our new business insight survey, designed to build a current and comprehensive picture of the local business climate. Take part in the survey

Evening and night time economy grant

If you run an independent evening or night time economy business, then you could be eligible for some funding to help improve your offering. Businesses with plans to start trading during the evening and night-time are also eligible to apply for projects. Applications are open now on a first-come, first-served basis. Find out more information including how to access a webinar that explains the scheme

Key council projects for 2026

Councillors have approved the key projects that the council will be taking forward over the next 12 months. These include looking into the feasibility of a business innovation centre or hub to help boost the economy, carrying out improvements to the White Pavilion in Chichester's Priory Park and working with Chichester College to develop an HGV maintenance training facility which will support our depot fleet.

Industrial site fully occupied

Units at the St James Industrial Estate are now all under offer for the first time since its regeneration. The latest company to arrive at the site is Vida Del Padel, a premium padel tennis provider which will be opening its doors to the public on 7 February. Find out more

Cost of living issues?

If you are experiencing cost of living issues, including being able to afford rent, or energy costs, have issues with debts or need advice on which benefits you may qualify for then our Supporting You Team can help. Find out more and refer yourself

Future of local government

The Government consultation on local government reorganisation in West Sussex has now closed — thank you to everyone who shared their views. The Government will now review all submissions and will make a decision by the end of March 2026. We will keep you updated but you can find more information about the process so far

Food waste collection service update

This month we’ll be starting to issue direct communications to households about the new food waste collection service. This will begin with information placed on your bin explaining what you can expect to receive. This will be followed by the delivery of a kitchen caddy and outdoor food waste recycling bin, which will include clear instructions on how to use the bins and how to check collection dates. Bin distribution is due to begin next month. Find out more about the roll-out

Living Libraries - interactive workshop!

Are you a writer, actor, storyteller, other creative or simply someone who likes collecting local human stories and re-telling them? Then be part of the ‘Living Library’ project being led by the Culture Spark initiative - all ages are welcome. Join a free interactive story gathering workshop/masterclass on February 11, 10am-1pm at The Woolstaplers Room in The Novium Museum. Dr Miranda Quinney, an oral historian with a passion for collecting and sharing life stories will be leading the session. This workshop/masterclass will equip story gatherers with a range of techniques to enable them to develop their own distinctive approaches. There are just 15 spaces so email Culture Spark as soon as you can.

Other local news

Keep up-to-date on all the latest council news at: www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

Here you can find the latest media releases and you’ll also find the latest District Dispatch column, and previous issues of our newsletter that you may have missed.

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Please encourage your friends and family to sign up to this newsletter at: www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts