Retailers and visitor attractions in Cheshire West and Chester have reported a positive first week of trading following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
The council, the district’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and distributors have worked together to make malls reopening as safe and welcoming as possible.
Hands, face and space are still the message for visitors and buyers. By allowing a little extra time, planning, booking in advance and being careful, the district’s main streets are hoping to benefit from the strong start.
Carl Critchlow, Chester BID Manager, said:
“We really couldn’t have asked for a better start, our hospitality industry was thriving, retailers were positive, and the city looks clean and inviting in the sunshine.”
There is a reminder to pre-reserve pubs and restaurants, as only a few businesses are accessible. To avoid delays in arrival, please plan your visit on the companies’ websites in advance and remember to cancel bookings if you are unable to attend.
Attractions throughout the district have reopened and a summer program of events is being planned. Chester Zoo also welcomed television cameras as their doors could finally be reopened.
Chester Zoo recently welcomed the birth of a new baby giraffe
Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo and Chairman of the Destination Chester Group, said:
“This first week was the perfect start to our recovery from the well-documented challenges we have faced recently. When you have 560 dedicated people who are all passionate about nature conservation, 20,000 incredible animals, a zoo full of amazing plants, 128 acres of beautifully manicured parkland, and sunny weather; You’re getting Chester Zoo at its magical best and that’s exactly what we’ve seen since it reopened. “
Northwich also welcomed television cameras as stores prepared to reopen. The number of visitors increased by 196 percent compared to 2020 (during the lockdown), compared to 2019 only by 12 percent
Adam Gerrard, Northwich BID Project Manager, said:
“We did well in the first week, the dealers were very positive with their results last week. A number of stores have opened to offer more stores for evening drinking during the day and more at weekends. It has been well received by the local community, there are many positive messages on social networks that there is an incredible amount of excitement on the main street.
“When we were handing out thank you bags, I could feel the buzz myself, people were smiling, securely socializing, and just enjoying the ability to venture out.”
If Covid infection rates can be kept under control, the government roadmap will allow for more indoor attractions and hospitality to open next month. Hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions are now looking forward to a steady recovery, hopefully pre-Covid when the district welcomed 36.4 million tourists, equivalent to £ 2.12 billion for the local economy (2018).
Image (and above) Tanasut Chindasuthi
Gemma Davies, Cheshire West and Chester Councils Director of Housing and Economics said:
“The first week was a very good start for our local companies, which was definitely supported by the good weather. Chester pedestrian counters recorded over 61,000 people on Saturday April 17, compared to the same time last year when the country was at the start of the pandemic and only 6,000 people were recorded.
“Northwich is reporting similarly high numbers returning to Main Street, with numbers rapidly approaching 2019 levels.
“In the future we are planning events to welcome visitors again. At the same time, there is a growing list of exciting projects across the borough including the Ellesmere Port Hub, Chester Northgate and Chester High Street Heritage Action Zone, Winsford City Center developments and the Northwich Market Site. “