The New Park Community Centre was originally Chichester Central School, built in 1887 to meet the requirements of a new bill on compulsory education.  The building was used as a school until 1968 when it was relocated.

In 1974 the clubs and playgroup that used the one-time Chichester Central School joined with the Chichester Society in persuading Chichester District Council not to demolish the Victorian buildings to make room for a dual carriageway.  They formed an association that raised enough money to repair the neglected fabric, renew the wiring, much of the roof and all of the toilets.

Over the next 25 years, new groups joined, more money was raised and with support from City and District Councils, the Association created, notably: a spectators' gallery for the martial arts area; retractable seating for the theatre area; a bar and social room; offices; toilets for disabled; the Hall Next Door; professional cinema screen, projection and sound systems. 2007-8 saw a new heating and air-conditioning system installed in the main auditorium, and new sound equipment for the cinema.

In 1990 and 2000 development schemes were mooted which if adopted could have resulted in the loss of the Victorian school building. However, it rapidly became clear that there was immense public support for retaining the community centre. It demonstrated how much the centre and the activities available there were valued by the people of Chichester and the surrounding area.