On Friday (10th March) Chester MP Samantha Dixon took a tour of The Rows to see how a £1m heritage action scheme is working to care for Chester’s historic city centre.
Mrs Dixon was joined by representatives from Historic England and Cheshire West and Chester Council to see how the the High Street Heritage Action Zone is helping development within such a sensitive historic setting.
Chester Rows provide a series of unique and distinctive galleried walkways, above street level, with medieval origins in the 13th century.
They’re now home to around 300 businesses – and more than £1m has recently been provided by Historic England to help make improvements and stabilise their condition.
This has included improving safety, restoring decoration to ceilings and walls, repairing walkway bridges and installing better lighting so The Rows feel more welcoming.
The funding has also helped with the newly opened Northgate Coachworks frontage and arcade, which – together with the new Chester Market, Storyhouse and Chester Cathedral’s new solar panels – Mrs Dixon believes helps show how the city’s future can successfully incorporate it’s past.
Alongside these improvements, Roman Tours are bringing the medieval history of Chester to life with animated, costumed meet and greet sessions for visitors and residents.
The project is also bringing unused spaces back to life by opening them up to local artists and organising activities and events for the community through a cultural programme.
During her walkaround, Mrs Dixon also heard from local business owners about how the project is helping improve shop frontages and attract more footfall.
She said: “Chester is an amazing example of a living and breathing heritage site.
“The city has continued to adapt to the changing needs of shoppers and visitors whilst preserving its heritage.
“I’m looking forward to growing and strengthening the relationship with Historic England in my role as member of Parliament for the City of Chester.”
Cllr Richard Beacham, from Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Conservation and restoration work has continued for the past 12 months and now the results can be seen on the walkways, ceilings, flanking walls, stallboards, balustrades, repaired joinery, lighting, and enhanced signage on the Rows.
“The Chester Rows High Street Heritage Action Zone has many strands, that in addition to the physical work has also seen an exciting programme of events and activities from fashion shoots to story- telling and guided tours.
“New guides have also been produced for the businesses and residents on The Rows, offering help to further enhance and protect these architectural gems so they can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Marie Smallwood, from Historic England, said: “It was a pleasure to showcase the fantastic work being carried out on the Rows to ensure these unique spaces remain a vibrant part of Chester.
“The Rows are now in better repair and I was excited to see that a number of new business have opened.
“Chester’s heritage is one as a place of trade and it is encouraging to see new premises continuing this tradition.”
