The idea
1.It is important that Chester City Centre has adequate seating for visitors who have mobility issues, need to rest frequently or just want to take in the scenery. 17 benches positioned on the Cross and Eastgate Street are tired, in a state of disrepair and of mixed design styles. Our project would replace these with new benches in the same design as those recently installed on Town Hall Square to ensure uniformity across the city centre.
2.Bell Tower Walk is a key access point to the walls with one of the few disabled access ramps. We plan to renovate this area with new planting, seating, signage and a deep clean to make the area more inviting while creating a new outdoor seating area to view the walls and cathedral.
3.Funding of specialist equipment to clean business frontages and problematic grot-spots situated on private land that are not currently cleaned by the council. The BID would then employ an operative to use the equipment and compliment the councils cleaning service.
What we'll deliver
- 17 new benches to replace existing ones at Cross/Eastgate St
- A deep clean of bell tower walk area
- Re-surfaced disabled ramp at bell tower walk
- Green space maintenance and new planting at Bell Tower Walk
- New street furniture, painting and signage at bell tower walk
- Specialist cleaning machinery to equip a daily business cleaning operation
Why it's a great idea
The project will enhance the public realm with new benches of a uniform design that compliment those already in other parts of the city centre. In addition to the visual improvement, new benches are more likely to be used by those who need them without the risk of them collapsing or fouling their clothes.
The renovation of Bell Tower Walk will improve this area making it more appealing to wheelchair/pram users who want to access the walls. It will also create a new outdoor seating area for people to enjoy views of the walls and cathedral.
A business cleaning operation will support the recovery of businesses from the COVID pandemic who advised that cleanliness of the city was amongst their top priorities for both them and their customers. The operation will also complement the daily cleaning of public spaces carried out by the council ensuring all land and buildings, regardless of ownership. Daily cleaning will enhance the visual appeal of the city and reassure customers.
Steps to get it done
- Purchasing benches and agreeing an install date
- Appointing gardening specialists to remove dead and overgrown shrubbery
- Recruiting a cleaning operative to use the cleaning equipment
