MEMBERS of the public are invited to examine £7.5m plans to make Chester Cathedral more visitor-friendly.
The blue-print for the first phase of the transformation of the Cathedral Quarter are now on display so residents and visitors can comment.
There are planned improvements to the interior of the building, including a new café and improved facilities for concerts and events.
There is also the exciting prospect of opening up the tower so visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the city and countryside.
Rita Waters, chief executive of Chester Renaissance, said: “The people of Chester are a vital part of our consultation process and we want to encourage everyone to get involved in this exciting transformation of the cathedral.”
Mrs Waters said “very confident messages” were being received from potential private and public sector funders for the project.
Phase one of the scheme is led by a partnership of the cathedral, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester Renaissance with the aim of attracting an extra 130,000 visitors a year to the city.
A display about the project is currently in the Cathedral Undercroft and the second floor of the Forum Offices.
The Visitor Information Centre at Cheshire Oaks will play host to the exhibition from Monday March 22.
Cllr Richard Short, executive member, culture and recreation said: “We are confident that this project will result in a major increase of visitors to the cathedral and city bringing considerable economic benefits to Chester and the whole region.”
A consultation is also taking place with interested groups.
The project is part of the ambition to strengthen the Chester brand as an international tourism and cultural centre.
