This is taken from a CWAC Information Bulletin.
" An expression of interest bid has been submitted to Historic England under the High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme to deliver a four year programme of renewal and revival for Chester Rows.
In May the Government announced the next strands of funding under the Future High Street Fund. This included High Streets Heritage Action Zones Programme which will be overseen by Historic England. A total pot of £44 million has been allocated to this programme which will extend over a four year period.
The programme is designed to secure lasting improvements on historic high streets and for the communities who use them. It is intended to support sustainable economic and cultural growth on and around high streets and restore and enhance local historic character making the high street an attractive engaging place for people to live, work and play.
After careful consideration of the criteria and scoring approach it was clear that Chester offered the best chance of success and a High Street Heritage Action Zone focused on Chester's historic Rows was the ideal focus for a submission for Cheshire West and Chester.
Chester Rows Revival High Street Heritage Action Zone is focussed on four streets and Rows level and central market cross area that lies at the heart of the medieval city of Chester. It is located within the Chester City Conservation Area and contains 102 listed buildings. The Rows are of international significance due to their medieval history dating back over 700 years. There is nothing of a similar nature, so well preserved or unspoilt in Western Europe.
The Rows have suffered a long downward spiral of decline due to changes in shopping patterns, increasing numbers of unoccupied properties, complex ownership patterns, lack of funding for external maintenance and increased antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and incidents of heritage crime. This is compounded by inappropriate repair, decoration and signage. As a result they have fallen into low use with some completely deserted areas with little evidence of the special atmosphere or hustle and bustle which is synonymous with their origin as the city's commercial and social hub.
Successful applicants will be announced in mid-September 2019
TarvinOnline is powered by our active community.
Please send us your news and views.