May Spring Clean for Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with business owners and residents on the world-famous Chester Rows, in preparation for a spring clean next week.

The Rows have been at the centre of conservation work over the past few years with new decoration, improved lighting, repairs and a new smoke and fire detection system. 

During May the focus is on all the small jobs that can make the place look amazing. Deep cleansing of the Rows will be taking place as usual but this year there will be an opportunity for collectively re-painting areas, removing vegetation and sprucing things up after the cleansing has taken place.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said:

“Chester Rows are the literal shop window for the city. Work has been taking place over the past four years to repair, conserve protect and enhance this unique area of Chester. 

“This month the Rows and other parts of Chester are getting a spring clean. Due to the nature of the Rows, some work requires specialist help however there are still many jobs that can be done. We wrote to businesses and residents to join where they can, to help improve the appearance of their Rows building. 

“I want to thank our specialist contractors, the Rows residents, businesses and volunteers for the huge amount of work that has taken place.” 

Businesses joining the spring clean include Julie Colclough Gallery, Thai Baan, Oren Art Gallery, Nichols & Co, Little Niki’s Café, Frankie’s Café and bar, Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Lloyd’s bank.

One ongoing issue has been the growing number of unauthorised temporary advertising banners and A-Boards appearing around the Rows, acting as an eye sore, and obscuring the historic buildings.    

The Council has asked for all temporary advertising banners to be permanently removed from the Rows before the deep clean starts. To ensure there is no reason for the banners (that are prohibited in planning legislation) to reappear, new signage is being put in place for the Rows giving businesses greater visibility and removing any need for banners. 

The Rows also have their own official advertising in the form of hanging signs visible from street level. In the lead up to the Spring clean, the Council’s Planning team wrote to businesses displaying banners offering practical help and guidance, encouraging the use of this traditional signage to both promote businesses and maintain the look the Rows. Earlier this year a new business guide was also shared with Rows building owners helping to promote and protect the area.

The deep cleaning on the Rows starts on Monday 13th May:

• All Rows
• Leen Lane
• Godstall Lane
• The Cross

Tuesday 14th

• Bridge Street Row
• Commonhall bridge
• Pierpoint Lane ramp
• St Michaels Church
• Grosvenor Precinct steps
• Feathers Lane

Wednesday 15th

• Watergate Row
• St Peter’s Church steps
• Goss Street Ramp
• Custom house steps
• Painting and varnishing

Thursday 16th

• Eastgate/Northgate Rows
• Godstall Lane steps
• Rosies street level and Row
• Flannels steps
• Trust and Co steps

Friday 17th

• The Groves
• Weeding
• Painting benches