Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study

Home , Midhurst, Midhurst (ward), Midhurst Grammar School, Selsey

Prepared by: BroomeJenkins Date: 01/05/08

Chichester District Council

West Sussex County Council

Midhurst Town Council

Foreword

Like many other rural market towns throughout the UK, Midhurst is affected by Following the publication of this study, public meetings will be held as part of the social and economic change. Significantly it is the change in retail behaviour, new community consultation. It is the intention to then form an action group to take forms of retail and different consumer expectations, which reflect most on a town’s the basis of this study and turn it in to a five-year plan. The ultimate aim being to character and prosperity. In addition, society is more mobile than it was fifty years improve Midhurst physically and nurture prosperity. ago, so today a small rural town like Midhurst will be in competition with neighbouring towns instead of being able to coexist happily as it may have done in the past. This Having successfully carried out a similar study in Selsey in 2005, Chichester District is certainly the case with Midhurst, given its proximity to Chichester, Petersfield, Council initiated this study with the support of Midhurst Town Council, West Sussex Haslemere and Guildford. County Council and Midhurst Economic Partnership.

Therefore, this study is a positive step towards providing the means to allow Midhurst to address these issues, by engaging the wider community and to articulate their views and ideas.

Cllr Maureen Elliott Portfolio Holder for the Economy at Chichester District Council

Cowdray Ruins, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study 4

Contents

Introduction 5 Aims 6 Brief and scope of work

Background 8 Context

Survey 10 Scope 11 Method 12 Findings

Consultation 20 Aims 20 Method 21 Respondents 22 Residents questionnaire findings 27 Traders questionnaire findings 32 Summary

Proposals 34 Ambition 35 Overview 36 Retail mix and quality 37 Shop fronts and shop signs 38 Vacant shops 39 Retail promotion 41 Public realm improvements 42 Movement 43 Heritage interpretation 44 Planting and soft landscape 47 Co-ordinated management 49 Proposals Matrix 52 Realisation 53 Funding 54 Conclusion 55 Acknowledgements

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Introduction 5

Aims

The Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study commissioned in October 2007 follows four important documents, which set out to record the external drivers affecting the district, and in the case of the Midhurst Town Plan and the CACI report understand internal opportunities. The studies were:

• The Chichester District Local Plan (1999) • Retailing in Chichester District (1999) • Midhurst Town Plan (2006) • Midhurst Strategy and Sustainable Opportunities – (2007) CACI

The main aims of this study however, are to identify ways to improve the economic prosperity of the town by addressing the retail environment and the underlying issues, which determine the retail mix and quality. The study will make a number of proposals, including ways of enhancing the quality of the public realm and building on Midhurst’s historic character.

All of the proposals resulting from this study will require further development and consultation, possibly through the appointment of specialist consultants, contractors and suppliers. Any proposal that is accepted will also require approvals from relevant authorities as well as securing necessary funding.

The aim of implementing the proposals is to reverse the decline of retail in the town centre. Then if successful, other improvements will spread out beyond the initial study area. However for the initiative to succeed, it will require involvement and a combined effort from Midhurst’s active community and associated organisations.

The approach adopted for the Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study has been successfully applied to Selsey. As a result of carrying out a similar study in 2005, a steering group was formed from local residents, businesses and members of the Town, District and County Council to develop a five-year action plan. Since then a number of initiatives and improvements have started to emerge.

However, whilst the process can apply to both Midhurst and Selsey, they are different in a number of distinct ways. Therefore the response and outcomes will also be different.

Midhurst welcome sign - North Street, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Introduction 6

Brief and scope of work

The primary focus of this study is to pull together the recommendations of past studies, to draw in opinions and suggestions from the business and residential communities and then to identify viable measures, which will support and promote improvements within Midhurst town centre.

To ensure the process has been informed and the proposals are viable, the study has been completed in three phases:

Survey – To visually record the overall condition of the study area, assessing and commenting on the quality of the built environment and identifying any specific issues that need addressing. We have also reviewed past studies and other proposals such as; the Environmental Improvements - Market Square and the redevelopment of the Grange Centre.

Consultation – A vital element of the study is the gathering of information and opinions from residents, businesses, community groups, Town Councillors, community leaders, members of the District Council and members of West Sussex County Council. Not only does this serve as a source of local thinking and preference but it also acts to engage the community at the beginning of the process and helps St. Mary Magdalene & St. Denys, Parish Church, Midhurst sow the seed for future involvement.

Proposals – Building on the survey and consultation processes, a preliminary phase of work has been undertaken resulting in a range of proposals aimed at improving the prosperity of the town.

The proposals fall into three groups; the first group looks at ways to improve the retail economy, the second looks at developing a clear identity for Midhurst and the third is more concerned with the management and co-ordination of Midhurst. In each case, proposals at this stage are recommendations and can be seen listed as a matrix on pages 49 to 51. Where possible, proposals are supported with diagrams, plans, illustrations or visualisations to communicate standards and design intent. Many proposals are indicative and shall require full development and further consideration.

South Pond, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Background 7

Context

Midhurst is a small market town located on the river Rother on the northern edge Midhurst has a designated conservation area and over one hundred listed buildings of the Chichester district of West Sussex, England. In the 2001 census the parish which contribute to its historic character. covered 333 hectares and had 2,327 households with a total population count of 4,889. Midhurst Grammar School is situated opposite the ruins at the northern end of the high street. Founded in 1672, notable alumni include HG Wells, who also worked in Two main roads dissect the town and merge along Rumbolds Hill and North Street a chemist shop on Church Hill - commemorated by a blue plaque. to form the main High Street. The A272 runs East-West and the A286 runs North- South. Midhurst’s railway station closed in 1964 under the Beeching reforms, so its Cowdray Park hosts a famous annual polo competition, the Gold Cup, which is only transport link is by road. often attended by members of the Royal family. The Cowdray estate has a golf course and is home to both rugby and cricket clubs. At the southern end of the town, Although Midhurst has a ruin of a Norman Castle, it is best known for the Cowdray The Grange Centre offers leisure facilities including a gym, squash and aerobics. Estate and the ruins of the Tudor Cowdray House, built around 1520 and destroyed Set close to South pond, it is soon to be redeveloped in a new location closer to by fire in 1793. The ruins have recently undergone restoration and reopened as a South pond – thereby improving the adjacent car park and creating a more active visitor attraction in Spring 2007. The Cowdray Estate is one of the principle landlords, link with the old town. owning many cottages and other premises including shops in the town.

Views of North Street, Midhurst 1900’s - images supplied by www.oldukphotos.com

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Background 8

Context

In addition to the studies mentioned earlier, others have been undertaken to highlight specific issues within Midhurst:

• Chichester Local District Plan (1999 – policy P6) • Midhurst conservation area character appraisal (2000) • Chichester Area Transport Plan (2006) • Mott MacDonald parking study (2006, February) • Environmental Improvements, Market Square, Midhurst (2006, March) • Mott MacDonald parking study (2006, June) • Midhurst Town Plan (2006, July) • CACI strategy and sustainable opportunities report – Midhurst retail opportunities (2007, January) • An economic impact study of the affect of car parking charges at Midhurst in West Sussex (2007, February)

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7 73 n m Survey 11

Method

The current quality, appearance and condition of Midhurst town centre directly influence the user experience and greatly affects the appeal of the town. Particular issues were highlighted by previous studies and plans, which provided essential background information on a number of issues.

The study area as described under ‘Scope’ is shown on page 9. In general, retail in Midhurst is divided into two main areas; ‘High Street’ (North Street) where primary retail operates, and the ‘Old Town’ around Market Square and the Church, where the narrow cobbled streets defines the historic setting with specialist and independent retailers.

Working under the headings mentioned earlier, each aspect has been photographed and notes made to record the aspect, condition and opportunity. We have also explored different user scenarios arriving through different entry points, from the north, south and west. One important aspect to consider here is the permeability of the town and how easy it is to move and navigate from place to place.

View north from Rumbolds Hill, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Survey 12

Findings

The study area predominantly features businesses although there are pockets of residential as well, notably in the ‘Old Town’ area. Retail spreads across the study area with generic high street retail located in North Street and more specialist independent retailers situated along Rumbolds Hill and throughout the ‘Old Town’.

The main High Street runs down North Street, along the A272 and features a reasonable mix of retail including several national banks, Loch Fyne restaurant and the recently opened Tesco Express. The highway and footways widen out as the road descends from Rumbolds Hill and becomes North Street. This width provides on-street loading and disabled parking and gives the High Street a more open feel. The merging of the A272 and the A286 along Rumbolds Hill and North Street subjects the route to continual high volumes of traffic including a considerable number of HGVs and other large vehicles.

View of North Street, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Survey 13

Findings: Public Realm

The overall quality of the public realm within the study area is generally of an Other areas of the town centre feature Staffordshire Blue paving bricks, limestone acceptable standard. The older, varied architecture in the town centre lifts its slab and red brick paviours in small quantities. A map detailing the traditional paving appearance by providing a historic context for the public space. materials is shown on page fourteen of the Midhurst Conservation and Character Appraisal, 2000. Conventional concrete slabs have been used elsewhere and a There are however a few aspects of the public realm that suffer from lack of proportion of the footway on the East side of Church Hill has recently been resurfaced consistency; the paving is uncoordinated with no predominant scheme in place. using a light, irregular paving. Although this may have been chosen to improve Market Square, Edinburgh Square along with areas of Church Hill and North Street accessibility to the church, it is not necessarily fitting to the surrounding area. feature cobbles which help to enhance the historic context around the town centre. However, they create accessibility issues with an uneven surface that can be hard The town features minimal street furniture with benches on North Street, around to negotiate for wheelchairs or those with restricted mobility. They are also subject the South pond and at the entrance to the public library. These vary in type and to substandard remedial works which detract greatly from the appearance of the condition, the example from North Street shown below is appropriate to the town town. There are areas of footway that have been resurfaced with Tarmacadam; centre. Several bicycle racks around the town are in need of replacement. these are unsightly and need to be repaired with the correct materials.

Examples of substandard footway remedial works and footways requiring maintenance Bench - North Street, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Survey 14

Findings: Shop fronts and frontages

The quality of shop fronts within Midhurst is generally good. The majority of traders, In general most shop fronts are reasonably well maintained, and although West including the nationals present in the town, have respected the style of premises Sussex County Council’s responsibility extends from the highway to the building they occupy and opted for appropriate shop fronts. A handful of notable independent line, some traders also maintain the footway outside their premises. Basic daily traders have employed very high levels of quality and detail in their shop front cleaning makes a difference to the appearance of the frontage and should be designs, helping to enhance the character of the town. encouraged throughout the town. The varied mix and quality of paving is the main factor, which impacts upon frontage quality. A consistent and consolidated scheme However, there are a few specific exceptions where the design and the quality would improve the quality of the public realm. of finish are particularly poor. Several shops feature undesirable backlit box signs on the main fascia and a small number are in a poor state of repair, but the main problem is the increase in vacant premises. There are currently seven within the study area and they have a negative impact on the appearance of the town. As a result of being vacant, they are poorly maintained and the empty windows blight the local retail landscape.

West Street, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Survey 15

Findings: Traffic and movement

Congestion in Midhurst is a major issue as mentioned in the introduction to this • The desire within the community to divert traffic using either a section. The local perception is that it is an acute problem, although generally, traffic relief road or bypass flows through the town with only minimal disruption (except when deliveries take place). • The affect on the town in terms of congestion and the impact upon the retail environment The historic pinch point located at Rumbolds Hill, occurs as a result of increasing traffic volumes over the past century which are now exposing old infrastructure as • The availability of funding to implement any such proposal inadequate to current need. Buildings line either side of the route and so widening the highway is not a realistic option. The highway is only just wide enough for • The possibility of a relief road to divert large vehicles only two cars to pass and so drivers naturally adopt a ‘give and take’ approach, which frequently leads to queues in both directions. Addressing these issues does not fall within the scope of this study although it is essential to monitor the situation and reassess proposals that may be influenced by Delivery vehicles stopping and loading on the main highway along North Street new developments. often exacerbate congestion. Whilst loading bays are provided along the high street, parked cars regularly occupy them. There is currently minimal on-street parking Wayfinding provision in Midhurst town centre is sporadic with finger postsin enforcement in Midhurst, which leads to drivers parking illegally on a regular basis. questionable locations. Although ‘traditional’ in style, they do not ‘interpret’ Midhurst In addition summer events in Midhurst and at Goodwood create localised congestion effectively, and guide visitors to attractions, shops and amenities. Both of the main as very high volumes of traffic pass through the town. car parks have information boards but they are not always maintained with current information. The proposal of a link road or bypass in Midhurst has been discussed for many years and has divided opinions across the community as to the benefits and drawbacks. It Accessibility is generally acceptable apart from the pinch point at Rumbolds Hill is important to appreciate that there are two separate proposals; one is a link road, as mentioned earlier. Due to the age of some premises, they do not easily provide which would divert traffic around the High Street and the second is a bypass to disabled access. Cobbled surfaces and poorly maintained footways are an issue, divert traffic around the town completely. Being such a contentious issue, there are especially in some areas of the old town, which are in need of maintenance. four important aspects, which need to be established and understood:

Views of the pinch point and respective footways - Rumbolds Hill, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Survey 16

Findings: Public amenities

The public library is situated at the top of Knockhundred Row in a historic 16th Public toilet facilities are adjacent to the bus station at the North Street car park century building. The library provides access to the West Sussex resource archive, entrance. These comprise of four individual unisex toilets including disabled and fax services, internet access and photocopying. It is open from Monday to Saturday baby changing facilities. All of these facilities are free to the general public. and is free to join. Midhurst Tourist Information Centre, located on North Street, provides services and The Grange Leisure Centre is towards the southern end of the town centre, the information to visitors and residents. The facility is open Monday to Saturday and entrance is on the A286 just south of the junction with the A272. Its facilities include can provide information on accommodation bookings, local attractions, exhibitions, a fitness suite, two large sports halls, outside tennis courts, badminton courts, local retail, eating out and local events. The centre also sells a range of souvenir squash courts, a sauna, a spa, snooker, function rooms and meeting rooms. products.

Midhurst has two main car parks, North Street Car Park which is located by the Chichester District Council have an office on North Street adjacent to the bus station bus station and The Grange Car Park which is next to the leisure centre and the and Midhurst Town Council operate from Capron House, North Street. A range of South Pond. Both car parks are free with no parking restrictions or charges. The services are provided from these sites including adult and community learning. North Street car park services the main high street and the Cowdray Ruins heritage attraction.

Midhurst library - Knockhundred Row, Midhurst Midhurst Tourist Information Centre - North Street, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Survey 17

Findings: Heritage

Midhurst is a town rich in local heritage and should benefit from a major landmark heritage attraction: Cowdray Ruins. The ruins are now into their second season having opened to the public in March 2007. Open to visitors from March through to October, Cowdray Ruins enables visitors to experience the remains of what was once the home of the Montague family.

The Midhurst Society is a registered charity which aims to preserve, protect and improve local features of historic public interest. The Society attracts a large amount of community involvement with over 400 members and meets regularly for discussions, lectures and social functions. The Society publishes a biannual magazine: Midhurst Heritage and a heritage trail leaflet.

Midhurst is linked to HG Wells who attended Midhurst Grammar School and worked in what was once a chemist located on Church Hill. Both premises are identified by a blue plaque which provides details of the historic interest

Cowdray ruins - Midhurst English Heritage Blue plaque - Church Hill, Midhurst

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study Survey 18

Findings: Planting and landscaping

The study area features several sections of planting that are prominent from spring Opportunities for appropriate planting in and around the town centre should be through to autumn. There is minimal provision for winter planting. utilised where possible. The drinking trough seen below could have been used for planting as opposed to cobbles. Hanging baskets are hung from lampposts in North Street which help to enhance the appearance of the High Street from late spring to early autumn.

The South pond, adjacent to The Grange car park and Chichester Road is an area for public use. The grounds surrounding the pond are planted and provide the only open public space in the town.

Further planting is located on and around the Bus station roundabout with plants, flowers and trees providing the backdrop for the illuminated town crest sign which marks the northern boundary of the high street.

Planting - South Pond, Midhurst Drinking trough - North Street, Midhurst - filled with cobbles to combat abuse

Midhurst Town Centre Improvement Study