25 January 2008
NWDA announces £931,000 investment for public realm works in
the heart of Chester
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is delighted to
announce an investment of £931,800 for improvement packages aimed
at helping Chester to become a ‘must-see’ European destination.
The public realm works are a £1.3 million project which will
improve the way people move around the city and further strengthen
Chester’s high quality visitor and leisure offer.
The improvements are part of the £1.5 billion Chester
Renaissance programme, co-ordinated by Chester City Council on
behalf of the Chester Renaissance Partnership.
Peter White, Executive Director of Development at the NWDA
said:
“These high quality public realm works will create an
environment which will enhance the perception of Chester and
encourage private sector investment. Investment in public realm is
a key feature of the Chester Renaissance, underpinning our effort
to raise the overall quality of Chester as a destination.
This NWDA investment will help reinforce and improve the
distinctiveness and appeal of Chester as a destination for
visitors, residents and investors.”
Mike Jones, city council Executive Member for Development and
Acting Chairman of the Chester Renaissance Board, said:
“I am delighted that the NWDA is making this excellent
commitment in Chester. Their support is critical for developing a
strong partnership between the NWDA and our private sector
partners, who are investing in Chester to make it a must-see
European destination. Chester is such a special city and this
support is a big boost to the Renaissance programme and important
to developing its economy.”
The packages include:
• Castle and Riverfront Zone Public Realm Works Specific
improvements will include the rejoining of the walls over Castle
Drive, extending the promenade from the Little Roodee to the start
of the Groves and creating a ramped access point between Castle
Drive and the Little Roodee.
• Northgate Street Public Realm Works High quality natural
surface treatments will be used in keeping with the setting of the
street and its proximity to the Roman Walls and listed
buildings.
• City Road Public Realm Works Enhancements to a street
that not only provides a key route between the station and the city
centre, but also houses many commercial premises including hotels,
retailers and offices.
• Riverside Promenade Upgrading and Enhancement Works
Improvements to include kerbing, railings, seating, other street
furniture, landscaping and a high quality surface finish along
Riverside Promenade route.
Works are expected to be completed in Spring 2008 in time for the
summer.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
1) The need for this package of public realm improvements has
been identified as part of the NWDA-funded Chester Renaissance
Programme Impact Assessment. It concludes that delivery of
public realm improvements will have a positive impact upon the
perception of the locations as an investor and visitor location,
which in turn will help stimulate and secure the anticipated £1.5bn
private sector investment within the Chester Renaissance
Programme.