FoCW will hold an invitation only official opening of the reinstated archway that will take place on the 20th August 2025. Afterwards, South Downs National Park Authority will hold another invitation only opening event. This will be for the Centurion Way route extension to Singleton Station and beyond.
Ian Swann (Chairman of FoCW) provides the following details about these events:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are honoured to welcome the Mayor of Chichester, Sean McHale and the Mayoress to celebrate the formal opening of the Centurion Way Arch at 10:30 on August 20th 2025.
- The Arch is situated on Centurion Way just to the north of the rail crossing bridge near Bishop Luffa School
Following the Arch opening we welcome all invitees to ride with us (or make their way on foot or by bus etc.) to the “Biomass Boiler” / Scout Hut entrance opposite the main West Dean College entrance (with grand wrought iron gates).
- From here we will join the former rail bed and cycle onward to Singleton Station for 12:45 for the official opening ceremony and ribbon cutting by the Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex when we will ride through.
Plan:
- 10:15 Muster at Arch Aug 20
- 10:30 Ribbon cut (Mayor Sean McHale)
- 10:45 Depart for West Dean – Group ride
- 11:50 lunch (bring sandwiches or: WD café, Selsey Arms, WD College Café, Weald & Downland café, Partridge pub)
o Multiple options for taste / prevention of overload of one venue
- 12:30 depart from lunch
- 12:45 Singleton Station for ride through and light refreshments
o Access West Dean via biomass boiler / scout hut drive (opposite West Dean College main entrance)
Yours sincerely
Ian Swann (Chair)