BRIT is a national endeavour, partnering with charities all over Britain and helping young people across the country. This week, whilst at a meeting someone asked me why I chose West Sussex for the building of the BRIT Inspirational Centre of Excellence. We are fortunate to live in a country with such beautiful, diverse and outstanding countryside. Our landscape is just one of the things that make this nation great and inspiring. Taking Young People facing Adversity to an rural, inspiring and peaceful environment is vital to have the opportunity for them to relax, feel safe, secure and calm.
I lived in West Sussex for three years and returned to West Sussex when I retired as after travelling for 17 years, it was the one place where I had forged relationships is many different areas and when I started work on BRIT I wanted to find an area that met certain criteria:
· Natural beauty with easy access to the coast for marine links
· A strong relationship with the local authorities and councils
· Opportunities to partner with existing organisations and charities within the county
After examining other possibilities, I decided that West Sussex was the perfect choice to house the BRIT Centre. Specifically West Sussex was chosen for BRIT’s strong links and associations with:
· Lord Lieutenant
· The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon
· Lord and Lady March
· Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit
· Goodwood Estate
· Goodwood Aerodrome
· The South Downs National Park Authority
· West Sussex County Council
· The City of Chichester
· The Edward James Foundation
· The Weald and Downland Museum
· Chichester Cathedral and the Dean
· Chichester College
· Chichester Marina
· Southampton Boat Show
· Chichester Festival Theatre
BRIT and I are particularly indebted to the continuing support from The Lord Lieutenant, The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, Lord and Lady March, the current and former Chairmen of West Sussex County Council, Dean of Chichester Cathedral and Chichester College.
I am close to finding the right site.
In addition to the needs of BRIT, I know we can offer a vast array of support, activities, people and business contacts to the right landowner. We are building beautifully with the support of the Prince’s Foundation and over £500k worth of gifted architectural design support from BDP.
We need to mutually support each other and whether the Centre is a new build, a re-build of a site or building or a hub with funding to existing organisations and their sites and buildings that BRIT will use for activities, I know we are looking in the right area. BRIT will bring a huge amount of support to a landowner and provide legacy and an innovative and inspirational partnership that will drive interest, visitors and support to the area, the community and other local organisations.
My sincere thanks to everyone in West Sussex for their support and encouragement to build the BRIT Centre of Inspirational Excellence – we are close and the site for BRIT has to be right for everyone and I am absolutely positive that we will find the right site very soon and it will be an inspirational partnership that will excite and enthuse Businesses, Donors, the Community and Young People across the country.
My very best wishes,
Phil