What would make our city centre even better? Here’s what our readers had to say:
Readers of the Observer have shared their thoughts and ideas on what can be done to further improve our city.
A survey, which was taken by 411 people, 63 per cent of whom are Chichester residents, aimed to show what people are using the city centre for and what could be done to make it even better.
Under the survey, we received a lot of great suggestions from parents, music fans, shoppers, workers and other residents.
One of the more popular comments under the post came from Lee Payne who said: “Somewhere to DJ live music until 2am. It’s needed badly.
“Would love to DJ later however 2am would be a good start. All genres different nights of the week. Disco is massive at the moment.
“House is needed. Soul nights. 80s nights. nights. The list goes on.
“Thursdays should never have closed. Music feeds the soul. Just somewhere to let go and have a good dance later than 11.30 - 12.”
To the question ‘where do you go shopping’ 54 per cent of people said they shop in Chichester, 26 per cent in Portsmouth, 11 per cent in Brighton, five per cent Bognor Regis, three per cent in Guildford and one per cent in Worthing.
Claire Thomson said: “A great soft play centre for our children so we don’t have to travel to Ford for some all age and all weather fun.
“Not sure why we need two trampoline parks.”
Even with most people choosing to shop in Chichester, only 14 per cent of people said they would definitely recommend the city centre to friends.
On a scale from nought to five, nought being ‘definitely not’ and five being ‘definitely’ nine per cent chose nought, 12 per cent for one, 18 per 70s cent for two, 30 per cent for three and 17 per cent for four.
Max Todd called the pedestrianisation of South Street and West Street to allow cafés and bars outdoor seating.
What are the main reasons for your visits? 42 per cent said they came to Chichester for shopping, 22 per cent for eating out, 17 per cent for work, nine per cent selected the option ‘other’, eight per cent for visiting family and friends and two per cent for the theatre.
Natasha Percival said: “Should have an events venue with social meetings so all year groups can go i.e. Bingo nights or dance groups for adults and children and social gatherings and more range of shops and no more coffee shops.”
A majority of people said they travelled to the city centre by car (53 per cent), 32 per cent walk, six per cent by bus, six per cent by train, and nobody chose the option for taxi.
Shops like Primark would encourage more people to spend time in the city centre according 45 per cent of people who took the survey. Sixteen per cent of people said they wanted to see alternative attractions, 13 per cent said free parking, 11 per cent chose the option for ‘other’, eight per cent said pubs, five per cent said children’s activities and two per cent said improved public transport.
Daniel Gurney said: “Less coffee shops, more places to go and not be expected to spend extortionate amounts of money.
“So far the only place you can enter and not have to spend loads of money is the underfunded library. To be in your 20s in Chichester is a waste of a life.
“Perhaps a night club on the city outskirts, or maybe more stalls in the street selling unique items.”
Twenty-eight per cent of people visit the city on a weekly basis, 20 per cent daily, 16 per cent twice monthly, 14 per cent twice weekly, 12 per cent rarely and ten per cent monthly.
Tom Taylor said: “Cut parking prices! People don’t visit the town/city anymore because the council usually charge outrageous amounts for parking.
“So they’ll do it online or go to a retail park where there’’s free parking.”
If you have any thoughts on the results of the survey, or would like to add some ideas of your own, email: letters@chiobserver.co.uk