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The St Philip Howard Centre (SPHC) in Crawley sits geographically at the heart of our faith community and is an important place of mission within the Diocese. Before the Covid-19 pandemic our Education Service, Lourdes Office, and Formation Team were based at the Centre, with other departments working at High Oaks, Pease Pottage, and Bishop’s House, Hove - this is soon to change.
Building work currently underway at SPHC will create a single, shared diocesan office that will be fit for purpose and built to last. The renewed Centre will offer a vibrant, faith-centred workspace, adapted to suit multiple working styles, with 36 new desk spaces, additional offices, and five meeting rooms providing meeting spaces for up to 52 people.
Some members of staff will be based at the Centre every day with others dividing their time between the office, visiting parishes and schools, and working from home.
1. Reduced costs
As of Summer 2022, all Central Office Staff will work together at SPHC. Moving from three offices to one will enable the Diocese to make energy savings and reduce a number of office running costs.
2. Greater internal communication across departments
The Kinharvie Report commissioned by Bishop Richard in 2017 highlighted the considerable benefits of having all diocesan teams in one workspace. Upgrading and enhancing the facilities at SPHC will allow staff to provide enhanced support to our many wonderful parishes and schools - bringing the Good News of the Gospel to people across our community.
3. More sustainable
Upgrading the Centre will help us to care for our common home with a number of environmentally friendly measures included in the project:
• The finished building will include 4 electric vehicle charging points
• Enhanced roof insulation to help maximise energy efficiency
• A new shower to support staff and visitors who wish to travel to SPHC by bicycle or take exercise during lunch breaks
• Double glazed windows and doors
