Saving Our City

Description

During the post-World War II era, from the 1950s to 1970s, British towns and cities underwent sweeping transformations in their urban landscapes. Chichester, a city in West Sussex with roots tracing back to Roman times, was not exempt from these changes. A misguided inner ring-road project led to considerable upheaval, including the 1964 demolition of much of Somerstown, a northern neighbourhood of the city. This decision displaced over 500 residents and razed so-called “slums” that today would be considered prized properties. Across other parts of the city, historic buildings faced the wrecking ball to make way for the unnecessarily wide dual-carriageway and its roundabouts.

By 1973, the prospect of losing the city’s cherished character alarmed many residents. That autumn, the Chichester Society was formed by a group of concerned locals determined to halt the destruction. Their rallying cry, “Save Our City,” spearheaded a fervent campaign that garnered both local and national attention. Local poet Christopher Fry and actors from the Chichester Festival Theatre added their voices to advocate for more considerate planning that prioritized residents over vehicles.

Tim Rooth, a founding member and the Society’s first Secretary, offers an insider’s perspective on these pivotal early years. A Chichester resident since 1967, Tim recalls landmark events, like the Society’s founding in 1973 and a stirring speech by its first president, David Goodman. Notable events included a Cathedral meeting in 1974 that drew 1,500 citizens, and the “Eastgate sit-in” during the sweltering summer of 1976, aimed at thwarting demolition crews. The Society also played a role in saving the New Park Centre, in addition to defending many trees and historic buildings from ongoing development threats. Thanks in no small part to their efforts, the dual-carriageway ring road plan was never completed, avoiding considerable further destruction.

This story is one of perseverance and community spirit in the fight to preserve the heart and soul of a historic city – a battle that continues to this day. The Society marked its 50th anniversary in 2023, and looks ahead to face the challenges of the next fifty years.