Frodsham Street retailers are urging shoppers not to forget them while a new city gateway is created.

The bustling city street closed to traffic in June for six months to allow building work for the £13.5m bus interchange project to take place, but its pedestrian walkways are still very much open.

Now businesses up and down the street have issued a rallying call to Cestrians and visitors alike, after meeting with CH1ChesterBID – the city’s Business Improvement District.

Jason Rigby, director at Rigby Jewellers, said: “We’re very positive about the redevelopment of this street but it’s vital that people continue to visit our store whilst the building work is ongoing.

“From the plans we’ve seen, Frodsham Street will look fantastic once all the work has been completed and we’re excited to be part of that.

"But the sight of major road works like these can put people off shopping. It’s important that we do everything we can to remind people that we're still here and open for business throughout the week.”

The redevelopment of Frodsham Street will create a pedestrian-friendly city gateway, which will include three bus stops in Love Street and wider pavement outside Argos in Foregate Street to provide more space for bus passengers.

'New lease of life'

Ray Fisher, owner of Camera Solutions, added: “We very much see this as a short term disruption that will be beneficial to us in the long term.

"Of course the building work is a bit of an inconvenience but we’re just trying to look at the bigger picture and we’re confident the redevelopment will give Frodsham Street a new lease of life once it’s completed.”

Popular route was closed to traffic in June for around six months
Popular route was closed to traffic in June for around six months

Carl Critchlow, BID Manager at CH1ChesterBID, said that Frodsham Street retailers are overwhelmingly supportive of the plans and reiterated that shoppers should not be deterred from visiting the street because of the ongoing work.

“It’s important that they’re kept up to date with the progress of the redevelopment and that’s why we’re having regular check-ins with our members in that area to listen to any concerns they may have and liaise with the council to answer any questions," he said.

"Ultimately, they need customers to continue shopping with them over the next few months and by working alongside them, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that happens.”

Building work is due to be completed before the end of 2016.