Chester Characterisation and Vacancy Assessment continued

Frodsham Street has a role not seen elsewhere in the City Centre with a low-cost discount offer. It is strategically located linking the bus station with Foregate Street. It also offers views of and access to the Cathedral / city walls. However, it has less of a tourist offer owing to modern interventions and shopfronts of lesser quality than other parts of the City Centre. The SWOT analysis explores the dynamics affecting Frodsham Street in greater detail:

Strengths

Conveniently located adjacent to Chester Cathedral, Chester bus station, Canal Side, and Foregate Street

Primary route into the City Centre from the north

Retail offering not seen in other parts of the City Centre

Partly pedestrianised

High volume of footfall

Opportunities

High volume of footfall / movement to the City Centre from the north / bus station

Located on a clear heritage trail owing to proximity to the Cathedral, city walls, and canal

Weaknesses

Perception as a less desirable secondary retail street

Low-cost and discount retail offer

Chaotic shopping environment due to bus route / part pedestrianisation

Less heritage interest than other areas of the City

Some occupiers detract from character of the area

Threats

Going through a period of transition

Lower quality of occupiers a risk to investment