Chichester is a charming cathedral city with a relaxed, walkable centre and an eclectic mix of independent boutiques and big‑name stores, making it one of the South Coast’s leading shopping destinations.
Chichester is a charming cathedral city with a relaxed, walkable centre and an eclectic mix of independent boutiques and big‑name stores, making it one of the South Coast’s leading shopping destinations.
Retail opportunities in the heart of Chichester.
12 units available in the Hornet, located in the centre of the City.
A place with heart, history, and room to thrive
No. 19 The Hornet has stood here since 1802, but its story stretches back much further. For generations this spot was home to the parish almshouses, simple dwellings that offered shelter to local people in need. By the late 1700s they had fallen into disrepair, and the parish faced losing them altogether.
Their revival came thanks to Martha Dear, the eldest daughter of John Dear Esq., Alderman and Town Clerk. When she died in 1807, her will left £1,000 to rebuild and re‑endow the almshouses. Her gift funded the brick building that still stands today.
For more than 150 years it was affectionately known as the “Old Dears’ Almshouses”, providing modest, dignified housing for elderly ladies of slender means. In the 1970s the building began a new chapter, becoming the Almshouse Arcade, now home to twelve small independent shops.
Today, business tenants join a place with deep roots, strong character, and a long tradition of community at its heart.
Their revival came thanks to Martha Dear, the eldest daughter of John Dear Esq., Alderman and Town Clerk. When she died in 1807, her will left £1,000 to rebuild and re‑endow the almshouses. Her gift funded the brick building that still stands today.
For more than 150 years it was affectionately known as the “Old Dears’ Almshouses”, providing modest, dignified housing for elderly ladies of slender means. In the 1970s the building began a new chapter, becoming the Almshouse Arcade, now home to twelve small independent shops.
Today, business tenants join a place with deep roots, strong character, and a long tradition of community at its heart.
A place with heart, history, and room to thrive.
No. 19 The Hornet has stood here since 1802, but its story stretches back much further. For generations this spot was home to the parish almshouses, simple dwellings that offered shelter to local people in need. By the late 1700s they had fallen into disrepair, and the parish faced losing them altogether.
Their revival came thanks to Martha Dear, the eldest daughter of John Dear Esq., Alderman and Town Clerk. When she died in 1807, her will left £1,000 to rebuild and re‑endow the almshouses. Her gift funded the brick building that still stands today.
For more than 150 years it was affectionately known as the “Old Dears’ Almshouses”, providing modest, dignified housing for elderly ladies of slender means. In the 1970s the building began a new chapter, becoming the Almshouse Arcade, now home to twelve small independent shops.
Today, business tenants join a place with deep roots, strong character, and a long tradition of community at its heart.
Their revival came thanks to Martha Dear, the eldest daughter of John Dear Esq., Alderman and Town Clerk. When she died in 1807, her will left £1,000 to rebuild and re‑endow the almshouses. Her gift funded the brick building that still stands today.
For more than 150 years it was affectionately known as the “Old Dears’ Almshouses”, providing modest, dignified housing for elderly ladies of slender means. In the 1970s the building began a new chapter, becoming the Almshouse Arcade, now home to twelve small independent shops.
Today, business tenants join a place with deep roots, strong character, and a long tradition of community at its heart.
Almshouse Arcade Floorplans
Almshouse Arcade Floorplans
Current businesses within the Almshouse Arcade
Unit 1 Pop Up Book Store
Unit 2 Almshouse Vintage
Unit 3 Broken Rose Clothing - Gothic Clothing
Unit 4 Knights Gentlemans Hairdressing
Unit 5 Angels Crystals & All Things
Unit 6 Mooman Antiques & Architechural Items
Unit 7 Coming Soon - Collectors Corner - Vintage, Antiques & Homewares
Unit 8 Time Tunnel UK
Unit 9 Symen's Barbers
Unit 10 Hair Spa & Bar
Unit 10 Yuliia Komchadalova
Unit 12 Time Machine Records
Unit 14 Almshouse Vintage
Featured Unit to Let
Unit To Let
Set within the characterful Almshouse Arcade, this self‑contained retail/office unit offers an inviting space for an independent business looking to thrive in the heart of Chichester. With its glazed frontage, warm natural light and steady footfall from The Hornet, it’s an ideal base for makers, services, or boutique retail.
The room is freshly presented, easy to personalise, and benefits from the Arcade’s friendly, supportive community of small businesses where independents do well.
Set within the characterful Almshouse Arcade, this self‑contained retail/office unit offers an inviting space for an independent business looking to thrive in the heart of Chichester. With its glazed frontage, warm natural light and steady footfall from The Hornet, it’s an ideal base for makers, services, or boutique retail.
The room is freshly presented, easy to personalise, and benefits from the Arcade’s friendly, supportive community of small businesses where independents do well.
- Key Features
- Bright, self‑contained unit with glazed frontage
- Suitable for retail, studio, or small office use
- Located within a charming heritage arcade of 12 shops
- Strong footfall from The Hornet and St Pancras
- Flexible terms available
- Approx. £95–£120 per week depending on lease length
If you are interested in this room, please contact us using the email form below