Midhurst will become new headquarters for the South Downs National Park
Midhurst has won the contest to become the new headquarters for the South Downs National Park.
The decision, taken at a full meeting of the national park authority (NPA) in Eastbourne,left Petersfield rivals bitterly disappointed.
But an elated chairman of Midhurst Town Council John Etherington said: "I am absolutely delighted with this news. It will be good for Midhurst and bring more people to the town."
And town councillor Gordon McAra, who serves on the Midhurst Vision Group and persuaded town councillors to lay claim to the 'heart of the national park' title, added: "This will be a major boost to our reputation. It puts real heart back into the town."
Members of the NPA have decided to buy the eastern wing of Capron House and the Memorial Hall behind it, which currently houses Midhurst Rother College school facilities and adult education.
It is subject to planning consent to turn the building into office accommodation.
Chief executive of the NPA Richard Shaw told the Observer staff would not be able to move into the building until late 2012 when the new Midhurst Rother College buildings were completed.
"We will need interim premises to see us through to that point.
"!At present we have a small skeleton staff, but from next April we should have a larger staff to support the operational organisation," he said.
He said the authority could find more space to add to its current offices in Midhurst at Rosemary's Parlour and above Chichester District Council's area office in North Street and in Petersfield and Lewes.
The second choice would be to find one building for the interim period.
He said: "It has always been made clear to us the western wing of Capron House, owned by the Cowdray Estate, is well-used by the community and there is no suggestion the national park authority will try to usurp this use."
In addition to the main Midhurst headquarters, Mr Shaw said four smaller area offices were planned, but sites were still undecided.
He acknowledged the siting of the headquarters had been a sensitive issue and views had been sought from the public.
Petersfield councillors were disappointed to miss out.
But chairman of the national park authority Margaret Paren said: "It was not a case of Midhurst versus Petersfield, it was a case of what property was available on the market at the time.
"The problem with the properties in Petersfield were that they just did not meet the criteria we have.
"The property in Midhurst was more suitable for our needs.
"Capron House most strongly met the criteria of both the consultation and the evaluation.
"The public transport connections at Midhurst were identified as a concern and we will be discussing this issue with bus companies and others to find a long-term solution."
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Weather for Chichester
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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