The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £139,000 ($177,170) to the Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT).
This will go towards the Marchwell Studios project, which intends to transform a local Grade II listed Stables into a new commercial space.
The buildings would create an affordable space for local businesses to operate from, as well as an environment to support those facing barriers to employment.
Clare de Bathe, CCDT Director, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We are going to make the most of this amazing opportunity.
"We want to save the building and heritage of the Marchwell Stables for future generations.
“The Studios will not only provide an incredible community of makers and creatives for Chichester but will also be a fascinating place to visit. The development grant is crucial in moving the project forward.”
The £139,000 grant will allow the CCDT to hire a number of contractors, including a Project Manager, a Project Coordinator, a Lead Architect including a CDM Coordinator as well as a Quantity Surveyor, Mechanical and Engineering Consultant.
Stuart McLeod, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director of England London & South, said: “We are delighted to give our initial support to transform the former Marchwell Stables for the future.
“As the UK’s largest funder of heritage, we need to help our historic buildings in adapting and regenerating.
"This new space will play an integral part in the community, with a place for enterprise, learning and activities.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund expects the CCDT to apply for another full grant at a later date, once the initial development is complete.
Another grant recently approved the the National Lottery was The Yard Project at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, which will be transformed into a space for young people.
