Enhancing Chester City Centre Pedestrianisation - Further information

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What is this engagement about?

Much has changed over the last two years. The Covid-19 pandemic has made everyone think about what is important to them and how they have had to adapt their lifestyle. Our City Centre has faced the same challenges with retailers finding new ways of delivering their products and services to their customers. One of the changes we have seen in the city is an increase in the number of hospitality venues offering Alfresco drinking and dining through enhanced pedestrianisation. This has added a vibrant and exciting dynamic and has bridged the gap between the day time and night time economies, which we want to encourage and continue.

During the last two years, the Council has extended the hours of the pedestrianisation of Bridge Street and Watergate Street during the day until 8.00pm, where it was previously until 4.30pm. This has enabled businesses to maximise the opportunity to use pavement space for tables and chairs, leaving the roadway clear and safe for pedestrians. We would now like to make this a permanent arrangement, and include others areas within the proposal. We are also looking to include Sundays, to ensure the streets are safe for pedestrians whenever they choose to visit, and that Chester continues to grow and thrive with its retail and hospitality offerings.


Proposals for enhancing pedestrianisation

Further details of the proposals being considered are outlined below and you can view maps of the access routes here.


Bridge Street and Watergate Street (including Weaver Street loading bay)

This area of our City is bright and vibrant with a wide variety of Alfresco offerings, the numbers of which have increased since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions back in the late Spring of 2021, when people were permitted to meet outside. The area attracts people from breakfast time through to the early evening and has enabled our businesses to find new ways of providing their services to customers in a safe way without the concerns of passing traffic in the area, providing seating and a place to meet friends, family and colleagues.

In line with arrangements brought in by the Government to help the hospitality sector recover from the pandemic, the hours of pedestrianisation on Watergate Street (from the lights at the junction with Nicholas Street) and Bridge Street (down to the rising bollards on Bridge Street) were temporarily extended to between 10:30am and 8pm, seven days per week, pre-pandemic the hours were 10:30am – 4:30pm.

These arrangements are due to expire in August 2022 and we are considering making these traffic access restrictions a permanent change, meaning that Bridge Street and Watergate Street would remain closed to through traffic from 10.30am until 8.00pm, seven days a week, enabling the ongoing pedestrianisation of the area for the benefit of shoppers, hospitality and businesses alike.

We recognise it can be difficult for businesses on Bridge Street and Watergate Street to manage deliveries during the hours of pedestrianisation. Therefore we have made a loading bay available at all times on Weaver Street, which runs parallel to Watergate Street.


Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and St Werburgh Street (also affecting St. John Street)

Northgate Street has a flourishing Artisan group of businesses, providing a new and innovative cultural heart in Chester with diverse food offerings from every corner of the globe. Home to Storyhouse and with exciting times ahead with the forthcoming opening of the new Northgate Development and the return of the popular outside space on Town Hall Square provided by the Parklet, we are all looking forward to warmer weather and lighter evenings.

In line with arrangements brought in by the Government to help the hospitality sector recover from the pandemic, the hours of pedestrianisation on Northgate Street (from the Northgate Street/St. Werburgh Street junction) and Eastgate Street were temporarily extended to between 10:30am and 8pm, seven days per week, pre-pandemic the hours were 10:30am – 4:30pm.

These arrangements are due to expire in August 2022 and we are considering making these traffic access restrictions a permanent change, meaning that Northgate Street (from the Northgate Street/St. Werburgh Street junction) and Eastgate Street would remain closed to through traffic from 10.30am until 8pm, seven days a week, enabling the ongoing pedestrianisation of the area for the benefit of hospitality, shoppers and businesses alike. This would also affect traffic access to St. John Street from Eastgate Street.

Currently in this area traffic access is also restricted on Northgate Street (from the barrier opposite the Town Hall to the Northgate Street/St. Werburgh Street junction) and St. Werburgh Street between 8.00am and 6:00pm Monday to Saturday. Between 10:30am and 4:30pm access is only permitted for blue badge holders, permit holders, taxis and buses. Between 8:00am and 10:30am, and 4:30pm and 6:00pm access is also permitted for loading.

We are considering extending these access restrictions so that the same restrictions also apply on a Sunday.


Frodsham Street and Foregate Street

Since its reimagining as a shared space used by both vehicles and pedestrians, Frodsham Street remains one of the gateways to the City Centre and provides access to Foregate Street, with modern seating and signage to locations and heritage sites across the City. Foregate Street has many national retailers and eateries which have, in some cases, not had the opportunity to benefit from outside eating and drinking spaces due to narrow pavements and the flow of shoppers.

Currently in this area traffic access is restricted on Frodsham Street (from the junction with Victoria Place, with access allowed to supermarket car parks), along Foregate Street, to the junction with Love Street, between 8.00am and 6:00pm Monday to Saturday. Between 10:30am and 4:30pm access is only permitted for blue badge holders, permit holders, taxis and buses. Between 8:00am and10:30am, and 4:30pm and 6:00pm access is also permitted for loading.

We are considering extending these access restrictions so that the same restrictions also apply on a Sunday.

This forms the final part of our proposal for the enhanced pedestrianisation of our City, enabling shoppers, businesses and visitors to experience Chester at its very best in a safe and relaxed atmosphere.


How to share your views

There are a number of ways you can get involved and share your views.

On our dedicated website you can:

  • Pin comments to our interactive map
  • Share comments through our survey.

Alternatively you can:

  • Request a paper version or alternative format by calling 0300 123 8123
  • Email us at: chesterlocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
  • Write to us at: Localities Team, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Lache Community Centre, Hawthorn Road, Chester, CH4 8HX.
  • Call the Council’s Contact Centre on 0300 123 8123 quoting ‘Enhancing Chester City Centre pedestrianisation’

The engagement exercise is open until 22 May 2022.


What happens next?

Your feedback will be considered by Cheshire West and Chester Council, to help shape the proposals for the enhanced pedestrianisation of Chester City Centre, and inform a decision about whether to proceed with a formal order to make these changes.

If we proceed with a formal order to change the pedestrianisation of Chester City Centre, a statutory Highways consultation will be carried out, which will provide further opportunities to respond and share your views on the proposals.

The results from this engagement will be available in Summer 2022, alongside an update on the outcome of any decisions taken and the next steps.

What is this engagement about?

Much has changed over the last two years. The Covid-19 pandemic has made everyone think about what is important to them and how they have had to adapt their lifestyle. Our City Centre has faced the same challenges with retailers finding new ways of delivering their products and services to their customers. One of the changes we have seen in the city is an increase in the number of hospitality venues offering Alfresco drinking and dining through enhanced pedestrianisation. This has added a vibrant and exciting dynamic and has bridged the gap between the day time and night time economies, which we want to encourage and continue.

During the last two years, the Council has extended the hours of the pedestrianisation of Bridge Street and Watergate Street during the day until 8.00pm, where it was previously until 4.30pm. This has enabled businesses to maximise the opportunity to use pavement space for tables and chairs, leaving the roadway clear and safe for pedestrians. We would now like to make this a permanent arrangement, and include others areas within the proposal. We are also looking to include Sundays, to ensure the streets are safe for pedestrians whenever they choose to visit, and that Chester continues to grow and thrive with its retail and hospitality offerings.


Proposals for enhancing pedestrianisation

Further details of the proposals being considered are outlined below and you can view maps of the access routes here.


Bridge Street and Watergate Street (including Weaver Street loading bay)

This area of our City is bright and vibrant with a wide variety of Alfresco offerings, the numbers of which have increased since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions back in the late Spring of 2021, when people were permitted to meet outside. The area attracts people from breakfast time through to the early evening and has enabled our businesses to find new ways of providing their services to customers in a safe way without the concerns of passing traffic in the area, providing seating and a place to meet friends, family and colleagues.

In line with arrangements brought in by the Government to help the hospitality sector recover from the pandemic, the hours of pedestrianisation on Watergate Street (from the lights at the junction with Nicholas Street) and Bridge Street (down to the rising bollards on Bridge Street) were temporarily extended to between 10:30am and 8pm, seven days per week, pre-pandemic the hours were 10:30am – 4:30pm.

These arrangements are due to expire in August 2022 and we are considering making these traffic access restrictions a permanent change, meaning that Bridge Street and Watergate Street would remain closed to through traffic from 10.30am until 8.00pm, seven days a week, enabling the ongoing pedestrianisation of the area for the benefit of shoppers, hospitality and businesses alike.

We recognise it can be difficult for businesses on Bridge Street and Watergate Street to manage deliveries during the hours of pedestrianisation. Therefore we have made a loading bay available at all times on Weaver Street, which runs parallel to Watergate Street.


Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and St Werburgh Street (also affecting St. John Street)

Northgate Street has a flourishing Artisan group of businesses, providing a new and innovative cultural heart in Chester with diverse food offerings from every corner of the globe. Home to Storyhouse and with exciting times ahead with the forthcoming opening of the new Northgate Development and the return of the popular outside space on Town Hall Square provided by the Parklet, we are all looking forward to warmer weather and lighter evenings.

In line with arrangements brought in by the Government to help the hospitality sector recover from the pandemic, the hours of pedestrianisation on Northgate Street (from the Northgate Street/St. Werburgh Street junction) and Eastgate Street were temporarily extended to between 10:30am and 8pm, seven days per week, pre-pandemic the hours were 10:30am – 4:30pm.

These arrangements are due to expire in August 2022 and we are considering making these traffic access restrictions a permanent change, meaning that Northgate Street (from the Northgate Street/St. Werburgh Street junction) and Eastgate Street would remain closed to through traffic from 10.30am until 8pm, seven days a week, enabling the ongoing pedestrianisation of the area for the benefit of hospitality, shoppers and businesses alike. This would also affect traffic access to St. John Street from Eastgate Street.

Currently in this area traffic access is also restricted on Northgate Street (from the barrier opposite the Town Hall to the Northgate Street/St. Werburgh Street junction) and St. Werburgh Street between 8.00am and 6:00pm Monday to Saturday. Between 10:30am and 4:30pm access is only permitted for blue badge holders, permit holders, taxis and buses. Between 8:00am and 10:30am, and 4:30pm and 6:00pm access is also permitted for loading.

We are considering extending these access restrictions so that the same restrictions also apply on a Sunday.


Frodsham Street and Foregate Street

Since its reimagining as a shared space used by both vehicles and pedestrians, Frodsham Street remains one of the gateways to the City Centre and provides access to Foregate Street, with modern seating and signage to locations and heritage sites across the City. Foregate Street has many national retailers and eateries which have, in some cases, not had the opportunity to benefit from outside eating and drinking spaces due to narrow pavements and the flow of shoppers.

Currently in this area traffic access is restricted on Frodsham Street (from the junction with Victoria Place, with access allowed to supermarket car parks), along Foregate Street, to the junction with Love Street, between 8.00am and 6:00pm Monday to Saturday. Between 10:30am and 4:30pm access is only permitted for blue badge holders, permit holders, taxis and buses. Between 8:00am and10:30am, and 4:30pm and 6:00pm access is also permitted for loading.

We are considering extending these access restrictions so that the same restrictions also apply on a Sunday.

This forms the final part of our proposal for the enhanced pedestrianisation of our City, enabling shoppers, businesses and visitors to experience Chester at its very best in a safe and relaxed atmosphere.


How to share your views

There are a number of ways you can get involved and share your views.

On our dedicated website you can:

  • Pin comments to our interactive map
  • Share comments through our survey.

Alternatively you can:

  • Request a paper version or alternative format by calling 0300 123 8123
  • Email us at: chesterlocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
  • Write to us at: Localities Team, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Lache Community Centre, Hawthorn Road, Chester, CH4 8HX.
  • Call the Council’s Contact Centre on 0300 123 8123 quoting ‘Enhancing Chester City Centre pedestrianisation’

The engagement exercise is open until 22 May 2022.


What happens next?

Your feedback will be considered by Cheshire West and Chester Council, to help shape the proposals for the enhanced pedestrianisation of Chester City Centre, and inform a decision about whether to proceed with a formal order to make these changes.

If we proceed with a formal order to change the pedestrianisation of Chester City Centre, a statutory Highways consultation will be carried out, which will provide further opportunities to respond and share your views on the proposals.

The results from this engagement will be available in Summer 2022, alongside an update on the outcome of any decisions taken and the next steps.