Setback for Chester’s new theatre plans

Feb 24 2011 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

HOPES of delivering a theatre for Chester suffered a major setback when the council delayed a decision on its possible location for the foreseeable future.

The authority says it needs more time to investigate archaeological and access issues, particularly with respect to the Little Roodee car park option, which it is believed to favour over the alternative Odeon site.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive had been due to consider a final report at its March 9 meeting, when it would have chosen the location.

But the council now says uncertainties make it ‘impossible to predict when the final reports will be available’.

Cllr Richard Short, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “It had been hoped that we would be able to make a decision on the basis of reports available to the March meeting.

“However, it is now clear that issues with both sites will require further risk-mitigation information to allow this to take place.”

But he insisted the council was ‘still working to a 2015 deadline for a new iconic Chester theatre’.

The council says an archaeological excavation of the current Little Roodee car park is necessary after a desktop appraisal failed to provide the complete information required to assess its potential archaeological importance.

In addition, further work is needed on traffic flow – particularly the effect of increased traffic movement on the junction between Castle Drive and Grosvenor Bridge – and accessibility issues involved in the possible development of the riverside land.

With regard to the privately owned Odeon site, the council comments that similar comprehensive reports are awaited on traffic, access and listed building aspects of the proposal.

Former city MP Christine Russell, a member of the Odeon Action Group, accused the council of ‘delaying tactics’.

She said: “The people of Chester want the Odeon. Why not go for the building that is available, the more affordable option?

“As the Urban Land Institute told Chester, ‘just go for it!’ and show some leadership.”

Ms Russell added: “They don’t want to make any controversial, unpopular decisions before the elections in May but that’s abdicating their responsibilities.”