Experts cast doubt over theatre vision for Chester

Mar 10 2011 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

TROUBLE-shooters tasked with rejuvenating Chester have presented a mixed message over whether the city can support a theatre.

But Cheshire West and Chester Council says the authority is committed to a theatre despite the final report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) who visited Chester in November.

Emphasising the need for Chester to reposition itself as a cultural hub rather than a drinking destination, the ULI at first says the city should “seriously consider the need to reinstate a theatre or cultural centre”.

But the report, which recommends reopening the Odeon as an art-house cinema, continues: “A theatre was high on the list of many people’s priorities but the panel perceived this was not likely to be viable.

“Several major centres are already struggling in Liverpool and Chester would be in direct competition with them, therefore the panel recommends instead the consideration of a multi-functional and sustainable centre for arts and culture, including a workshop, innovation hub etc.”

In general, the ULI said Chester had “rested on its laurels”. Its future prosperity lies in building on its proud past by making the most of the cathedral, the rows, the walls and the river.

It said attracting more sophisticated, discerning visitors with high levels of disposal income was the way to grow Chester.

The ULI hopes the city’s emergent ‘One City Plan’ will address the lack of an overarching vision which had led to a piecemeal approach, citing the examples of the Northgate Development and cathedral quarter plans.

The ULI recommends establishing city wide forum to foster a participatory approach to community decision-making.

It concludes: “The panel fervently hope that these recommendations will allow the communities of Chester to work together to drive forward together to create a new vision for the city centre and deliver it successfully.”