Chichester: Architects move into contemporary office space

Architects who turned a tired 1960s building at the heart of Chichester city centre into a contemporary office space were so impressed by the results that they moved in themselves.

James Wells Architects is now well established in the completely transformed upper parts of Sussex House on the corner of Crane Street and North Street, which has been the subject of significant investment through a high quality and distinctive refurbishment.

Just two suites remain at the offices, which are situated on the revitalised upper two floors, with views of Chichester Cathedral, within the city’s vibrant commercial area and close to shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Retail outlets make up the ground floor.

Property consultancy Vail Williams LLP is marketing the remaining self-contained and well-appointed suites, which benefit from open plan, light and airy accommodation, with windows to the east, south and north elevations

Russell Mogridge, Vail Williams partner based in the Solent office, said: “Sussex House is the perfect blend of modern office accommodation with a stamp of heritage. There is huge demand for contemporary, designed space within the city walls from professional businesses.

“This refurbishment has  brought  the sadly neglected Sussex House back into use as an aspirational city centre business location, a much sought after asset which will plug a gap in the commercial property landscape in Chichester as very little Grade A spec office space is available.”

Sussex House has a new roof, bespoke steel, double glazed opening windows, modernised roof light, exposed feature concrete ceilings, a restored hand-crafted staircase, LED lighting, under-floor cabling, superfast broadband, new kitchens and cloakrooms and a new touch screen, video camera door entry system in Crane Street.

Suites remaining in the 6,610 sq ft total floor space building are the 2,126 sq ft first floor Suite 1 and the 1,963 sq ft Suite 3 on the second floor. Rent is £20 per sq ft per annum on new lease terms to be agreed.

James Wells, owner of James Wells Architects whose sister practice James Wells Commercial Architects carried out the work on Sussex House, said the 1966-built block had been in a tired condition after almost 50 years of county council occupancy.