Appendix L Chester Characterisation and Vacancy Assessment continued

Foregate Street

Foregate Street extends from the city walls at Eastgate to The Bars inner ring road roundabout to the east, where Chester’s primary shopping area terminates.

Due to the orientation of the Chester, Foregate Street is the primary route into the City Centre from the west. Approximately 400m in length, Foregate Street embodies a predominantly retail function, accommodating many national brands including Wilko and Primark.

The pedestrianised section of Foregate Street closest to the city walls shares many of the characteristics of Watergate Street and Eastgate Street with a rich sense of history apparent. The narrow street at this section provides a strong sense of enclosure. The generally straight orientation of Foregate Street means the Eastgate clock is clearly discernible travelling from the west and draws visitors to the heart of the city centre.

Travelling along Foregate Street in an easterly direction, modern interventions in the built form become more common, which has negatively affected the historic grain of the street. The result is that the character of Foregate Street becomes less defined the further one travels from the city walls. The quality of shopfronts also vary considerably.

From the junction with Frodsham Street, Foregate Street is opened to vehicular traffic. As a major bus route, heavy traffic is apparent which has a negative impact on the shopping environment.

The combination of heavy traffic and modern interventions results in the character of Foregate Street being largely similar to that of a generic UK high street with some historic buildings of interest. It is not until one approaches the Frodsham Street junction that features which make Chester an international tourist destination are apparent.

The majority of Foregate Street is designated Primary Shopping Frontage on the Council’s adopted proposals map.

A section of Foregate Street on its southern side to the east of Love Street is designated Secondary Shopping Frontage.

Approximately half of the provision at Foregate Street is devoted to retail (47%). A high proportion (19%) of the units are Foregate Street are vacant. These vacant units are generally located at the northern side of the street. Approximately 30% of units accommodate a variety of main town centre uses.

Appendix L

Chester Characterisation and Vacancy Assessment continued

Foregate Street has a strong retail offer with 30 occupied retail units. Many of the units are of modern design of varying quality. It is conveniently located in relation to the ring road and is the primary route into the City Centre from the west. However, it is dominated by heavy traffic which negatively affects the shopping experience. The street is in direct competition with the Grosvenor Shopping Centre and the new Northgate scheme. The fortunes of Foregate Street is sensitive to changing retail behaviours. The SWOT analysis below explores the existing situation at Foregate Street and its potential fortunes.

Strengths

Large floorplates able to cater to national brands

Primary route into the City Centre from the west

Strong retail offering

Historic interest at eastern section

Conveniently located with respect to ring road

Public transport offering

Opportunities

High volume of footfall / movement to the City Centre from the west

Ability to attract large national brands

Public realm / soft landscaping would enhance the shopping experience

Front door to the City Centre from the train station

Weaknesses

Large floorplates only suitable for national brands

Large floorplates mean vacant units more noticeable

Character of street less defined to the west

Dominated by heavy traffic

Modern interventions negatively affect character/ shopping experience

Feels on periphery of the City Centre

Threats

Vulnerable to the changing behaviour of shoppers

Reliant on retail offer