RAIL passengers arriving at Chester will be stepping onto a first-class station.
For hundreds of visitors the railway station is their first impression of the city, and a “welcoming gateway to Chester” .
And now the station has been recognised with the Principal Stations Award making it the best large station in the whole of Cheshire.
The title was presented at the Cheshire Best Kept Stations award ceremony on Tuesday (January 18) at Weaver Hall-Museum and Workhouse in Northwich.
Built in 1848, the station is currently undergoing an £11m regeneration, which is hoped to conserve and improve the grade two listed building.
Announcing the awards, John Hulme, Organiser of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, said: “We should not underestimate how important our railway stations are to those that work, live in or visit Cheshire.
“Although work has not yet been completed, the renaissance of this station means visitors are now getting the first class welcome they deserve.”
The Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Neil Ritchie, said: “This award is wonderful recognition of the many schemes which have taken place recently at Chester Railway Station.”
“This Council-led project involved the rail industry and the result is a pleasing visit to the station, both outside and inside. Chester Railway Station has now resumed its rightful place as a welcoming gateway to Chester”.
Other stations honoured at the awards ceremony were Helsby, who gained the Best Kept Station Award, and Frodsham, claiming the Best Kept Station in Cheshire West and Chester.
Further details can be found at www.bestkeptstations.org.uk
