£500,000 transformation of Chester’s riverside should be complete by the summer

Feb 26 2010 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER’S riverside is a building site at the moment as a radical transformation takes place for the summer.

Work costing £500,000 has started on the former Groves Bistro & Bar to transform the venue into Hickory’s Smokehouse, due for launch in early April.

The operators behind Bar Lounge and Upstairs at the Grill are pursuing the venture which is promoting itself as “the place to experience authentic American barbecue in Chester”.

Planning permission has been sought for alterations to the front elevation and terrace including a split-level ramp to upper and lower flights to improve access to the entrance.

One contributor to the Chester@Large web site said: “I was quite surprised when I was told about the concept, but I think they are trying to attract families and people who can't face Chester town centre on a Friday/Saturday night.”

Meanwhile, workmen are busy improving the pedestrian entrance onto The Groves from the Dee bridge approach, again due for completion in early April.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is funding the project at The Groves and near the new HQ building in a project totalling £606,000.

Visitors walking along the riverside promenade in front of County Hall will be drawn across the road at the Old Dee Bridge by new cobble-effect surfacing in place of asphalt.

Bollards, where people currently enter the riverside area, are being moved closer to The Groves in line with the start of the walkway, creating a more pedestrian-friendly entrance.

Work to lay York stone footpaths and carry out landscaping outside HQ is also being funded by the NWDA.