A major development site at the heart of historic Chichester has come on to the market. Offers are being invited for the 4.54-acre site in Kingsham Road in close proximity to the cathedral. Property consultancy Vail Williams is acting on instructions from Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner with the freehold price available on request.
The site, surplus land adjacent to the city’s police station, may suit a variety of potential development uses, including residential, leisure, industrial, subject to planning consents. The police station and custody centre will not be affected by the sale.
Vail Williams surveyor Jake Collins said:
“This is a rare and fantastic opportunity – a large, undeveloped site in an affluent urban location – and we are anticipating strong interest from developers."
“The site is being offered as a single comprehensive development opportunity, with a preference for disposal to an experienced master developer capable of delivering a coordinated scheme. Our vendor is seeking to conclude a conditional or unconditional transaction structure, enabling a purchaser to assume control of the planning, design and delivery process."
“This approach affords maximum flexibility for a developer to maximise the site’s potential and bring forward a cohesive, high-quality development in a well-connected and sustainable location. The established lawful use is sui generis, reflecting its historic police function, with ancillary office, storage and operational elements across the wider holding. It is felt that this site would suit a varied range of uses, subject to gaining the necessary planning consent.”
The site is allocated for residential development in the most recent Local Plan which was published in summer 2025. It comprises a substantial site currently arranged as former police station buildings, with a mix of various buildings and land parcels including offices, former residential accommodation, workshops and open land.
The site forms part of the wider Southern Gateway, a key regeneration area on the southern approach to Chichester.
Identified for comprehensive redevelopment, the Southern Gateway will deliver a vibrant mixed-use quarter including new homes, commercial space and enhanced public realm, alongside significant improvements to connectivity with the city centre, transport hubs and canal basin.
It is allocated for residential development of around 70 dwellings, forming an integral component of the wider master planned vision.
Key considerations include protecting important views, particularly towards Chichester Cathedral, respecting the setting of the Conservation Area, and delivering strong landscaping and green infrastructure.
The scheme should promote sustainable travel through enhanced pedestrian, cycle and public transport connections, while also addressing ecological requirements, flood risk and infrastructure provision.
Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.
