A FORMER car showroom right in the heart of the city has had a bright new look thanks to Chester Renaissance and Rhino Mania.
Quicks of Chester closed their Lower Bridge Street premises more than two years ago and, although still under lease and with new occupiers being sought, the building has remained empty and boarded up ever since.
Residents and businesses through the community got together and asked Chester Renaissance to do something to make the building look more appealing as well as tackling the graffiti.
And according to Chester Renaissance Chief Executive Rita Waters, Rhino Mania-themed art work fixed to the building has made a big difference to the Lower Bridge Street scene.
She said: “Chester Renaissance was set up to drive momentum and bring added value to efforts to complete and accelerate the economic growth of Chester.
“Empty uncared for buildings right in the heart of our city and on a key gateway route give the wrong impression to any potential investors.
“Clearly, we would prefer to see the building back in use as a business premises but in the short term we took action to improve the premises for our visitors, traders and residents, some of whom pass it on a regular basis.
“We can take comfort in the fact that even in this uncertain and difficult economic climate, Chester is performing very well and has a lower than average business and retail vacancy rate.
“This clearly demonstrates that Chester is, and continues to be, a destination of choice for retailers and businesses.
“However, it is important we work with owners and managing agents to improve vacant buildings and tackle graffiti and fly posting issues. We were delighted, in this instance, to work with the agents and current leaseholders, Pendragon, to aesthetically improve the former Quicks showroom until new tenants can be found.”
Cheshire West and Chester City Ward Councillor Tom Parry is also delighted the concerns of residents and businesses have been addressed.
He said: “I congratulate Chester Renaissance and Project Manager Roz Munslow for all the hard work that has made such a big difference to Lower Bridge Street.
“The art panels are a vast improvement on boarded up windows and doors and will help prevent vandalism and fly posting.
“I think the Rhino Mania theme is excellent and I am sure it will be appreciated by everyone. I hope to see the building back in business use as soon as possible but in the meantime this art work is a bright and colourful alternative.”
Chester Renaissance Vice Chair Councillor Stuart Parker says the panels were funded through a Cheshire West and Chester Council vacant premises grant.
He also thanked the Respect Action Programme and Cheshire Probation Service, after former offenders serving community payback carried out preparation work before the art panels were fixed to the building.
He said: “They carried out work cleaning the exterior of the building and painting the boards black in preparation for the art panels to be attached.
“They did a great job and it’s good to see the results of their labours is something so positive. I too want to see the building back in business use but in the meantime at least we have something clean and colourful that adds to the street scene.”
