Acknowledgments

The panel would like to thank each of the stakeholders that made up the consortium of sponsors for this panel for inviting them to Chester to comment on the challenges and opportunities facing this historic city. The panel also wishes to thank Visit Chester and Cheshire for arranging the site tour and particularly Becky Jam and Carol Boynton at the Grosvenor Estate for their help and preparation of the extensive briefing book, on site logistics and sponsored events throughout the week. Without their assistance and support, the panel would not have been able to do its work.

The panel hopes that their recommendations and comments will provide new ideas and clearer direction in the future, and will assist in developing a stronger and more integrated city centre.

Thanks also go to the 200 Chester residents who gave up their time to be interviewed or prepare written comments, and those who attended the final presentation at Chester Town Hall to hear the final presentation. All these individuals contributed to the report by sharing their views, opinions, frustrations and hopes for Chester’s future. The panel was overwhelmed by the diversity, enthusiasm, sincerity and commitment of the local community.

Q1What is Chester trying to be?15

Q2 How can Chester be a distinct City and an active part of the sub region?16-22

Q3 What can be done in the near future to improve the resident experience of Chester and retain an engaged23-25 community for the longer term?

Q4 What should Chester’s city positioning/tourism strategy/goals be for visitor experience?26-29