The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has announced an investment of £931,800 for improvement packages aimed at helping Chester become a ‘must-see’ European destination.

The initiative is a £1.3m 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 £1.5bn Chester Renaissance programme, co-ordinated by Chester City Council on behalf of the Chester Renaissance Partnership.

"These high quality public realm works will create an environment which will enhance the perception of Chester and encourage private sector investment," Peter White, Executive Director at the NWDA, said. "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."

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Mike Jones, the city council's Executive Member for Development and Acting Chairman of the Chester Renaissance, also commented: "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.

(JM)