Funding will help bring technology and improved accessibility to the City Walls

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been awarded £38,560 UK Shared Prosperity Funding to help plan exciting projects for Chester’s City Walls.

The money will be used for three studies.

Firstly, to develop an interpretation plan for the City Walls and its towers, to review the way the history of the City Walls is presented, including through the use of emerging technology, like Matterport 3D virtual tours.

A previous Conservation Management Plan will also be updated.  It will identify the features that local communities value and appreciate, and it will set out policies to improve management and maintenance, and the overall understanding and experience of the walls for residents and visitors.

Finally, it will help develop an enhancement plan for the City Walls handrails.  Over time the handrail around the City Walls have become mix of styles that are utilitarian and unattractive. This plan will develop a co-ordinated design that can be installed as and when sections require replacing, ultimately resulting in a more cohesive appearance.

The potential for integrated lighting will also be explored to improve the illumination of the walkway, together with enhancements to improve accessibility for people from vulnerable groups.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“This funding is huge benefit to the future management of our historic City Walls. 

“The overall aim is to build on the progress made since the Council’s formation in 2009 to develop a co-ordinated three-part plan not just to safeguard the future of the City Walls but to enhance and promote them as a unique heritage asset, visitor attraction and educational resource.

“This is recognised as a priority for many of our residents, interest groups, community organisations, and other stakeholders who will be consulted as part of the work.

“Consultation with organisations including the Disability Access Forum will be a key part of the study to help understand the challenges and barriers that prevent vulnerable groups from accessing the walls and enjoying them to the full.”

Council Leader, Councillor Louise Gittins recently wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport, inviting him to view the City Walls and to consider boosting funding for this important heritage asset.  Unfortunately, he declined on both points.