Jess Fuller-Brown, Member of Parliament for Chichester, joined Councillor Windsor Holden, Chair of Westhampnett Parish Council, and Gunther Böhner, Director of Manufacturing at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, to celebrate the official opening of the upgraded Footpath 417. The ceremonial walk marked a significant milestone in a broader initiative to enhance local amenities and environmental sustainability. Upgrades to the footpath are part of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to improving community access while contributing to the area’s ecological and economic growth.
Footpath 417, once a narrow and uneven trail, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The footpath now features a smooth, widened surface—doubling its previous width to two meters—allowing for all-weather accessibility throughout the year. Additionally, new benches will be installed, and adjacent land is undergoing landscaping, with plans to achieve a Biodiversity Net Gain exceeding 10%.
The project aligns with a broader “clean boots” circular walk initiative around Westhampnett and the Home of Rolls-Royce. Enhancements include connecting Footpath 417 to Footpath 416 via a new permissive path in the upcoming year. These upgrades, funded entirely by Rolls-Royce, aim to provide a seamless network for pedestrians, leisure users, and local families, offering a new way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage at Rolls-Royce emphasized the significance of the project:
“Under our auspices, Footpath 417 has been transformed from a narrow, poorly surfaced track into a fully accessible route that is usable year-round. We are delighted to work with Westhampnett Parish Council, West Sussex County Council, and local residents to fund these important local amenities.”
Jess Fuller-Brown, MP for Chichester, shared her appreciation during the event:
“It was fantastic to walk the new footpath and see how thoughtfully Rolls-Royce and the Parish Council are collaborating to enhance local infrastructure. In rural communities like Westhampnett, improvements to footpaths go a long way in maintaining vital links to our natural environment.”
The upgraded Footpath 417 is a testament to thoughtful planning and community collaboration. The smooth new surface and widened path ensure usability in all conditions, promoting outdoor activities and leisure. Landscaping efforts, combined with a focus on biodiversity, will provide an enhanced user experience while supporting ecological health.
The project also reflects Rolls-Royce’s broader commitment to sustainability and local engagement. Earlier improvements to Footpath 416 have already proven popular with families and schoolchildren in Westhampnett, illustrating the tangible benefits these upgrades bring to the community.
With significant contributions to the Chichester and West Sussex economies and ongoing investments in local infrastructure, Rolls-Royce continues to pave the way for meaningful and lasting community impact. The enhanced footpath network stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between industry and local government, offering a brighter, more connected future for the region.
