Name of the building
In April 2009 the University announced that the Gardner Centre was to be renamed as the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts as a tribute to the involvement of Lord Attenborough and his family with both the University and the arts.
Lord Attenborough said: "Sussex has played a vital role in the life of my family. Two of my children each spent three thrilling years there, time I know they found both really enjoyable and of immeasurable value. For me personally my time as Chancellor was one of uninterrupted pleasure and inspiration. I am truly excited by the plans for the new Centre and hugely touched by the honour the University grants in naming it after my family."
Michael Attenborough, Director of London's Almeida Theatre, who graduated from Sussex in 1972, said: "The Arts Centre was integral to my three hugely rewarding years at Sussex and I am proud to have been in the very first student production there. But, of course, you honour my father. He is arguably more proud of being Chancellor of this remarkable University than any other achievement in his life-time."
Lord Attenborough's daughter Jane, the highly respected founder of Dance UK, who died in 2004, will also be commemorated in the naming of a dedicated room within the Centre.
Michael Attenborough said: "My late sister Jane loved her time at Sussex and was passionate about the arts; the establishment of a room bearing her name means more to us than we can ever explain."
The Gardner Arts Road, which provides a key physical, historical and symbolic link to the Centre, will be made highly visible by the new campus link road and serve as a reminder of Lyddon Gardner's support in the 1960s, without which the building would not exist.