A CITY community is celebrating its official new identity, brought about by years of campaigning by locals.
Residents living in an area stretching from the Fountains Roundabout to Stadium Way, the University of Chester to New Crane Street form the new Garden Quarter ward, approved by the boundary committee which oversaw the redistribution of wards in Cheshire West and Chester. They will vote for a new councillor on May 5.
The idea of a Garden Quarter has been the dream of many of the area’s artistic residents for seven years and groups like the Garden Quarter Residents and Traders Community Association (GQA) have grown out of a desire to create a vibrant community.
Matt Baker, co-chairman of the GQA and artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter, first thought of the idea of working with local politicians to discuss ways of ensuring that community spirit in the neighbourhood was protected and enhanced.
He said: “The area didn’t really have a proper identity and was given a different name depending on whether there was good news or bad news.
“The name Garden Quarter helps strengthen community cohesion, giving people one strong voice.”
The expansion of the University of Chester and the increase of HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) has had an impact on the area and Matt is keen that the new ward maintains a balance.
“We live in a community which has temporary residents and permanent residents.
“It needs to be a place where students feel part of the community which also includes families and professional people.”
Former Chester MP Christine Russell has lived in the Garden Quarter for more than 20 years. She describes the area as having the “best of all worlds”.
She said: “I lobbied for the change. I couldn’t see the point of a ward that stretched from one side of Blacon to the other side of Chester. The Garden Quarter’s proximity to the city centre with the canal running right through it, the ancient City Walls and Sealand Meadows on its doorstep makes it a great place to live.”
The GQA was by no means on its own in its quest for a new identity and members work closely with established groups like the Canal Basin Community Forum, the Cambrian Community Association, the University of Chester and its student union, local churches, schools, businesses and charity groups.
General manager of the university’s student union Laura Pearsons said: “I am completely in support of the new ward and wrote a letter to the council in support of the application. Such good work has been achieved by the GQA and we work in partnership.”
Community events include street parties, festivals, concerts, an annual sports day, the Big Lunch and a recent Clean-Up day organised by GQA, the students’ union and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Future plans include a Royal Wedding party on April 29, a concert, a Big Lunch in the summer and enhancing the street scene.
Jeremy Horrill, of Telford’s Warehouse, said: “It is a pleasure to serve this spirited and colourful bunch. “There is no question that the core community of the Garden Quarter is stronger than ever. Not only are Garden Quarter events well attended but the collaborations between different organisations have set a gold standard for how communities can work.”
Fellow businessman Derek Clarke, of Cake Fairies café in Old Port Square, added: "It is great news that, with the official defining of the Garden Quarter, the old port end of the neighbourhood can now fully feel part of this vibrant community."
Father Peter Walsh, who is leaving St Oswald and St Thomas of Canterbury Church this month, commented: “I shall be very sad to leave the local community at the dawn of such an exciting moment. The possibility of a new school, the hopes of the new ward and the scope of building further links of support and friendships means that there is a real sense of excitement and optimismŠacrossŠthis colourful and excitingŠcommunity.”
