A new covered events space leading into Chester’s £100m Central Business Quarter has officially launched.
Council leaders, businesses and city organisations gathered at the official opening of Carriage Shed next to Chester Railway Station. The public space, which links from the station to the recently completed One City Place office building by Muse Developments, has undergone a transformation and will now be open for the public to enjoy.
Speaking at the launch, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Samantha Dixon, said: “Carriage Shed is a fantastic new covered events space for the city. Importantly it’s a place for the public to dwell and to meet as they’re coming into the city to work, to visit or to play and it will be a great place for us to be.
“For residents it’s also a vastly improved link between the station and the canal corridor leading to Boughton and Hoole. This has been transformed into a welcoming place and is so important for the city.”
At the launch, North West willow weaver and basketmaker, Cherry Chung unveiled her bespoke installation for Carriage Shed called ‘A Passage Through Time’ which was inspired by the old carriages that were kept on site previously. The installation, featuring large carriage wheels suspended around the space and seven train carriages, will be available to view throughout the whole of April.
On Friday, businesses enjoyed food from local traders at ‘Bite Street Food’ and on Saturday families were welcomed to the space for a fun day featuring free willow weaving workshops, local food stalls and entertainment from Dee 106.3 radio.
More than £1.5m has been invested into the new public realm by Cheshire West and Chester Council supported with a grant of £617,550 from the European Regional Development Fund.
Phil Mayall, development director for Muse Developments, said: “Carriage Shed has transformed the area leading into the new Central Business Quarter and offers the public a new space they can enjoy and be proud of.
“We’re committed to investing in the city and over the next 15 years will be continuing to develop Chester’s new business quarter which will be complemented by new homes, retail and leisure.”
A full list of events can be found on the Carriage Shed website www.carriageshed.co.uk or follow Carriage Shed on Twitter @CarriageShed, Facebook: /CarriageShed and Instagram: @CarriageShed for more information.
Carriage Shed will have a dedicated events team and yearly events programme, as it looks to create an alternative venue for Chester’s entertainment. It will showcase everything from live theatre performances to mini festivals and summer fetes, which will be open to all residents of Chester as well as providing a unique venue to hire.