Conservation contractor DBR (London) opens heritage training facility in the South Downs to preserve traditional building crafts for future generations.
Situated in the picturesque South Downs National Park the Craft Skills Education Centre represents a significant milestone in DBR’s 30+year commitment to preserving the nation’s built heritage.
A new hub for heritage skills training
Developed from a set of disused barns (attached to DBR’s Southern headquarters on the Wiston Estate near Worthing), the centre will be a hub for traditional craft skills education.
The centre will operate as both a training facility and a fully-working historic building conservation space, providing real-world experience for learners while delivering joinery and masonry conservation services to clients. This dual approach ensures students gain practical skills in an authentic environment.
Featuring a purpose-built lecture theatre alongside specialist masonry and joinery conservation workshops, it will offer a wide range of different services including:
- NVQ training for heritage craftspeople, including stonemasons, joiners, conservators, stone cleaners and more.
- Heritage introduction taster days for local schools and colleges
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars and for practicing professionals and associated trades. The facility features a purpose-built lecture theatre alongside specialist masonry and joinery conservation workshops.
Practical learning which takes on the skills gap
Commenting on the new Craft Skills Education Centre, Adrian Attwood, DBR Chairman says, “Every cathedral spire, every historic timber frame, every piece of carved stonework depends on skills that risk being lost forever. This special new space will aim to address that persistent narrative as part of our armoury in educating the next generation of craftspeople. It embodies our motto of ‘Making sure the past has a future.’ We’re creating a space in the picturesque South Downs where the craftspeople of tomorrow, from stonemasons, and joiners to conservators and heritage technicians can learn and be inspired, leaving with the knowledge they need to ensure our built heritage endures.”
Addressing the skills gap
Jack Herniman, Contracts Manager at DBR, who will co-lead the centre alongside Adrian Attwood, adds, “We’re particularly excited about engaging with local schools and colleges, to introduce future generations of talent to traditional building methods and techniques. We hope the experience we offer will enthuse these young visitors and encourage future careers in conservation and address the critical skills gap in our sector.”
This move, builds on a legacy of excellence, as a Founding Member of the Historic England Skills Forum and a Royal Warrant-holding company, cements DBR’s long-standing reputation as a champion of craft skills development.
The new centre represents an expansion of their commitment to training, providing a permanent base for educational initiatives.
Venue details
The Craft Skills Education Centre is located on The Wiston Estate.
Address: Lower Chancton Barn and Granary, Steyning Road, Wiston, West Sussex, BN44 3DD
Opening Hours: 8am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday
Contact: +441273309618
Workshop Programme: TBC through DBR website www.dbrlimited.com
