Over 100 attendees gathered at Chester Racecourse for this years Residents Conference organised by CRAG (Chester Residents Association Group) After a greeting from the ever present Town Crier , Mike Hogg CRAG Chair introduced the aims of the day: to understand what is happening in Chester and what the future might hold.

• Louise Stewart CEO of Chester Races spoke of the 5 centuries of racing and the city’s close involvement with the racecourse, in terms of patience, support and pride. She said that the recent season had been one of the strongest in recent memory and that plans for the redevelopment of the site were going well. The Races community programme continues to be successful, with partnerships and free or subsidised use of facilities. The annual fireworks event was mentioned, an example of the Race’s community role. She said that the Race company welcomes all feedback from residents and that she was full of energy and enthusiasm for next season, wanting the Racecourse to continue to be a genuine asset to the city.

• Jamie Christon CEO of Chester Zoo gave a brief history of the Zoo, founded in 1931 intended to be a “zoo without bars”. The Zoo has 37k animals from 517 species, many of which are endangered or critically endangered. Moving towards the zoo’s 100th anniversary in 2031 he spoke of the Zoo’s international role in science and conservation, and influencing Government policy worldwide on environmental issues. The Zoo, the most visited paid for attraction outside of London, now has 169,000 members and will soon be welcoming 2 new Asiatic Lions, Cheetahs and Jaguars before the end of the year. He spoke of the new Heart of Africa zone ( https://thechesterblog.com/2025/03/31/heart-of-africa-set-to-open-at-chester-zoo/ ) and the opening of the Reserve ( https://thechesterblog.com/2025/08/14/zoo-officially-unveils-luxury-resort-the-reserve/ ). In one of his other roles as chair of Marketing Cheshire he has been involved in the plan for a tourism tax which could raise £1 million via a £2 levy per room, per night from 27 hotels. A ballot on this is due soon.

Colin Potts of Destination Chester explained more about the proposal, saying that the hoteliers design how the money collected will be spent, from improved marketing to city wide improvements.

• Lord Mayor Cllr Sherin Akhtar also spoke thanking the organisers CRAG and attendees, hoping that the conference would lead “beyond talk and into collective action.. making our city an even better place to live, work and thrive” . She particularly highlighted the role of younger people in shaping Chester’s future.

• Cllr Richard Beacham then led a session focused on the One City Plan, a summary of the goals and plans for Modern Chester in one place. https://www.chesteronecityplan.co.uk/. He spoke about then big developments in recent years, which not everyone agrees with as well as the changes below the surface. The list of over 50 completed projects are outlined on the One City plan website. He noted the change in perception and direction , from bad publicity in the 2000s about the rise of stag and hen parties, and the strip club on the rows, to the recent “most welcoming city” accolade. He said that the Plan was all about groups working together to make things different. He said that the arrival of Harrods and IKEA were evidence of the city’s upward trajectory, also noting the less well known investment into a total refurbishment of the Northgate Arena.

• Andy Farrall of the OCP “Making” Group updated the conference on some ongoing projects. A resident led report on City Centre living has been completed. A developer has been appointed for for Northgate phase 2 with 400 new homes set to be built. Plans for a redesign of Town Hall square are being started. In the longer term, problematic spots like Dee House and the Castle are “gradually being unstuck”. City wide 5G coverage is currently happening, with installation of new technology underway. Harrods Beauty will open next year, as will the new Archives Centre. Developments along the Boughton Canal are underway. The former Quicks garage on lower bridge street is “almost sold”. There is huge work ongoing to repair the City Walls collapse https://thechesterblog.com/2025/06/22/walls-collapse-site-visit-provides-insight-into-complexity-of-repairs/ and the Wildes hotel at the Cross will be “opening soon”.

• Rachel Foster head of libraries for CWaC explored the opportunity to strengthen cultural vitality and wellbeing in Chester by stronger collaborative activities. She spoke of the digital connectivity challenge in a heritage city, but that the 5G work was imminent. The use of digital advertising boards is also being tested. The council are looking for further creative spaces and for this to be considered in future regeneration plans. The success of Chester Contemporary in 2023 has led to the formation of a community interest company meaning that future events will all be community owned. The new Archives Centre is the first step in the Chester Gateway project and will be open by this time next year, including exhibition and events space.

“There is so much going on all of the time” commented Cllr Beacham. He commented that the tourism tax proposal was a way of raising money which could be spent directly in Chester. Colin Potts spoke about the “Visiting” working group of the One City Plan and how its aims had expanded from increasing dwell time and deliver city wide events, to promotion of the city/events, identifying new events, and having a clear evidence based tourism plan. The group aims to generate tourism that can sustain the city but also improve it, e.g Storyhouse and Northgate phase 1. The group also focuses on improving messaging, promotion and local collaborations ( e.g. the recent showcase event https://thechesterblog.com/2025/10/12/autumn-and-winter-events-showcased-at-chester-event/ ) also highlighting a recent article in the Daily Express https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/2107632/we-live-uk-city-world-prettiest-underrated. The tourism tax /Accommodation BID (ABID) has been used in other areas across the world and will provide an extra source of income if approved. He said that work was continuing behind the scenes on Dee House and the amphitheatre. However he noted that there were “too many empty units” and visitor numbers were down from 7-8 years ago- stating that we need more city centre visitors and residents.

• Jane Makin council senior manager for Communities and Engagement spoke about her responsibility for “getting the basics right” focusing on homelessness, city safety, public protection, and making Chester an age friendly city. She spoke about Chester’s ongoing purple flag assessment, with the city having held the status since 2018. The Street Angel’s role was highlighted https://thechesterblog.com/2024/10/02/a-night-with-the-street-angels/ working alongside Pub Watch and Chester Police. New safety initiative “You’re Safe here” is set to be launched- a safety accreditation for venues that support and signpost further support. The Chester Rows fire protection system was also mentioned, the first of its kind in a heritage setting.

Another speaker from the Council spoke about the consultation on the transport strategy. The City Gateway project remains a long term goal with development of the area around Hoole Bridge and the train station, offering the prospect of additional platforms and access via Hoole. The project is not yet funded. There is the prospect of the Council taking control of bus services with a bill currently going through Parliament.

Andy Farall responded to a question from the audience about Dee House. Andy said that the Council have been working to produce a set of outlines to develop the site with English Heritage. The building is in a poor condition with questions of how much can be retained and how much can be lost. As the Dee House working party reported years ago, the other half of the amphitheatre is not there. Proposals for the site are at an advanced stage but not finalised.

• Sal Thirlway the council’s director of Education and Inclusion spoke about presenting a young person’s perspective on the One City Plan, challenging decision makers on the importance of youth engagement.

• Summer Ainscough, former Vice President of the University Students Union presented the results of a survey of young people about their attitudes to Chester. History and Heritage was seen as the best thing about living in Chester. Public transport and lack of housing were seen as key problems. She then introduced speakers from local schools , saying that “youths are thinking about their future and how they can get involved”.

• Tayla Aspden, 17 , a student from Queens Park High spoke about positive collaborations between city centre partners, including the “You’re Safe here” launch. She was more critical of the lack of specific details and timings in the One City Plan.

Pupils from Blacon High spoke eloquently about stereotypes of Blacon, with the area seen as “rough and troubled” with its history of economic deprivation. Instead they saw Blacon as family friendly and full of green spaces. Blacon lags behind in economic opportunities, with further regeneration needed, they said. Another student commented on the lack of choice for shopping and lack of sporting facilities. The life expectancy in Blacon is 8 years behind the national average. With investment, “Blacon can be a suburb we can all be proud of together”. 32w\ presented their vision for a greener and safer city based on similar cities such as Ghent in Belgium. There, 25% of journeys are by bike, following a traffic circulation plan. Pupils argued for an expanded cycle path network linking the suburbs, as well as a bridge linking Boughton and the meadows for extra connectivity. They also felt that e-scooters should return to Chester.

Ryder Kaye-Drummond , head boy at Christleton High School hoped that Storyhouse can be expanded and that public transport will be more affordable in the future. Other speakers noted that Storyhouse was often very crowded and needed more seating and more of a library atmosphere.

Pupils from Upton High School echoed the call for improved public transport with hopes for a young persons bus pass and more/ improved bike storage and locks. They also expressed concern at the upsurge of e-bikes, with an epidemic of illegally converted vehicles. In the last 5 years the UK has recorded a 730% increase in incidents caused by , or involving an e-bike. The lack of part time jobs for younger people was also noted, with schools urged to provide better preparation for the workplace.

The Queens School pupils would like a focus on creating a “student buzz” in Chester- adapting vacant shops into pop up exhibitions and study spaces. They would also like to see to broaden the range of student discounts.

Chair of the Common Hall Street Area Residents Association, Rob Hulme said he was inspired by the aspirations of the pupils, noting that there was a world of possibility and opportunities to change things. “There has been very genuine progress on all sorts of areas.” he said.

Cllr Katrina Kerr led a “city heartbeat ” session focused on the contribution made by 4 city charities.

• Dee Denton CEO of Kidsbank spoke about the formation of their charity in 2019 by founder Cathy Pettingale https://thechesterblog.com/2024/04/03/cathy-pettingale-of-kids-bank-retires/ The charity’s offer has grown and grown over the years with an ever increasing demands, with a total of £400,000 items gifted since 2019. In 2024, the charity supported 3009 unique children. They are about to launch their biggest ever appeal, with details to follow soon.

• Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH) were represented by Robert Whittall. He showed an image of a sleeping bag in the doorway of one of the vacant units on St Werburgh row, in contrast to the Chester BID signage behind. The charity was founded in 1972 and provides support at the Harold Tomlins day centre, as well as supporting 31 people in accommodation. Rob spoke about the challenging years since 2020 due to Covid and the cost of living crisis. “More “ordinary people” are contacting us than ever before ” he said. He noted he was often asked what the charity was doing given the visible homeless population on the streets, assuring attendees that a huge amount of work was being done behind the scenes to support those in need. The charity’s annual sleep out on the 28th November. CATH maintain their focus on health provision, working to remove barriers to access to housing and influence and encourage a city wide approach to homelessness. They are keen to work with local businesses and people , with a collaborative effort needed due to the scale of the issues.

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• Here and Now were represented by Karen Smith. The Blacon based grassroots social enterprise support older people facing loneliness and isolation. The charity provides meals, digital support, social activity for its users, many of whom are over 80. Since 2017 the group have hosted digital buddies at Storyhouse and have also worked with Blacon schools. Their work is made possible by their dedicated team and the group are keen to recruit new volunteers. https://www.here-and-now-chester.com/

• The Hospice of the Good Shepherd represented by Justin Caroe, interim Director of Income Generation, have been providing specialist end of life care since 1989 https://hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com/ The care is free at point of delivery, and the Hospice also provides bereavement support and counselling to families. In 2024-25 the Hospice had 140 inpatient admissions with an average stay of 11.6 days. 1584 living well sessions were provided for people living with an illness. With the Hospice costing £5.6 million a year to run, Justin stressed the importance of ongoing fundraising efforts.