RESTORING THE COMMUNITY ASSET

Chichester Community Development Trust (CDT) approached Studio BAD to explore the potential reimagination and redevelopment of the Brick Pavilion, a vacant, locally significant building situated in the north-west corner of Priory Park, Chichester, West Sussex.

The building, having stood vacant for several years, had fallen into disrepair resulting in it becoming a magnet for ongoing antisocial behaviour and vandalism. Working in collaboration with the CDT, we have explored how the neglected building could be restored to deliver community engagement, and bring this underused community asset back into productive use.

The feasibility study looks at how the Brick Pavilion could be transformed into a vibrant community facility. The vision includes integrating pavilion with the existing park amenities, such as the chapel and café, to support each other and enhance the offer.

Architecturally the strategy is grounded in layers; conservation, restoration and contemporary intervention. A sympathetic restoration of the front façade will respect and enhance the buildings historic character, while internal refurbishment and thermal upgrades will improve performance and longevity.

The unsafe, and architecturally unimportant extensions at the rear of the property will be removed, replaced with new squared off larger extensions. The design takes the line of the existing roofline and extends vertically, echoing the original into the new addition.

Internally a distinctly modern, open plan space will be created space that supports flexible needs. On the ground floor extensive glazing will create a sense of openness, encouraging interaction between the interior and the park. This transparency also provides opportunities to showcase activities within the pavilion, extending their presence into the garden areas and increasing public engagement, bringing this underused community asset back into productive use.

The upper floor would be designed and delivered as a series of quieter spaces, that enjoying more privacy and offering a retreat from the more active ground level.

As part of the design process, Studio BAD participated in a community engagement day hosted by the CDT. The event provided a valuable opportunity to share and discuss the initial concept designs for the much-loved building with the local audience, to help shape its future.