A month-long public consultation is underway in Chester to discuss the draft strategic regeneration framework (SRF) for the Chester City Gateway regeneration project.
The project, which will transform the area around Chester railway station, is being brought forward by a partnership consisting of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Network Rail and LCR.
The SRF’s five key initiatives, which will underpin development in the gateway area, are: an improved Chester railway station experience; greater accessibility and prioritisation of walking and cycling; improved car parking; the delivery of high quality placemaking and public realm; and diversifying the housing offer for local people to meet demand.
Councillor Richard Beacham, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, said: “The gateway offers a pivotal opportunity for transformational change in Chester, both for the area around the railway station where there is the potential to create a new high-quality living quarter in the heart of the city, and also for transport improvements which will better connect Chester with Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside and beyond.
“Over the next 10 years, this new strategic regeneration framework will help the council achieve our ambitions for the gateway to deliver new homes, jobs, community assets, and public realm and transport improvements. We are keen to hear the views of the local community on the draft framework and I would encourage people to get involved and have their say.”
Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, added: “Network Rail is working in partnership with key stakeholders on how the framework can unlock this strategic regeneration opportunity for Chester. Future plans would transform the area surrounding the station and at the same time continue to highlight the pivotal role the railway can play in unlocking sites such as these to deliver lasting growth and community benefit for both the city and the wider region.”
Peter Rowe, senior development manager at LCR, said: “The area around Chester railway station is currently widely used by the local population and tourists, but is not fit for purpose. Through these ambitious plans we want to create a place that more accurately reflects the design of the wider city and offers a more welcoming gateway for those who live, work and visit the area. The vision for the site goes beyond just surface level improvements and will create real change to the wider area, better connecting it to the surrounding communities and making it more accessible for those who use it.
“But we also want to make sure that the needs of the community are being fully met, which is why the consultation programme is so important. We’re looking forward to hearing the views and creating a more welcoming and effective gateway to the city for everyone.”
Public consultation events will be held throughout January and the consultation will run until 3 February.
