Winners of annual Chester Good Bad and Ugly Awards announced

The trust, which celebrates its 64th year this year, has given its verdict on the best examples of new development, renovation of existing buildings and community projects.

Now in its 18th year, the awards made at a ceremony at the headquarters of Chester Civic Trust at Bishop Lloyd’s Palace in Watergate Street, highlight Chester’s buildings, places, spaces and projects in an alternative ‘New Financial Year Honours list’.

Peter Hadfield, chairman of the judging panel, said: “These annual awards are based on nominations from our members. They aim to recognise the best changes to the Chester property scene in the past year.

"We hope they will encourage higher standards of design and maintenance in our public realm. As always, I would like to thank my fellow judges for their time and commitment visiting and providing insightful comments on the nominations.

“Members of the Chester Civic Trust (CCT) excelled this year with a total of 55 nominations. 32 Bad/Ugly nominations were submitted together with 23 Good nominations.

"All categories included an interesting mix of nominations. Once again it was good to see some from outside the city and we would like to receive more in the future.

"There were several projects which the judges declined to consider this year as they are incomplete. These will automatically be included with other nominations next year.”

The Chair’s Special Award went to Picturehouse

The Chair's Special Award went to Picturehouse.

The judges said: “This is a much-needed, suitably contemporary addition to the Chester leisure offer. Picturehouse occupies a key location on the Northgate Development’s Exchange Square adjacent to the popular new Market.

"Significantly, it complements nearby Storyhouse in providing an indoor leisure/arts facility – so a venue providing more things to do in Chester and, crucially, in all weathers.

"The interior is a mix of vibrant and calm with a nod to art deco, apparently inspired by the (2014) film The Grand Budapest Hotel and other films directed by Wes Anderson.

"The design is tasteful and helps to provide a sense of occasion welcoming visitors to a cinema experience. An excellent addition to Chester's Northgate development.”

The Chair's Special Award went to Picturehouse.

The Good Awards

Good: The Flaggs and Hamilton House, Church Street, Tarvin.

• The Flaggs and Hamilton House, Church Street, Tarvin

The judges said: “This project has put two Grade II*-listed vacant buildings back into separate domestic houses by careful repair and minor alterations. The scheme has been very positive and has largely preserved features of significance in both properties.

"These two houses form an important part of the wider conservation area’s character and appearance, this refurbishment has ensured they continue to add to this in the future.”

• ōH Chester Design Foundation, Bridge Street

Good: ?H Chester Design Foundation, Bridge Street.

The judges said: “This is a newly formed community interest company social enterprise committed to supporting the growth and development of the creative industries in Chester.

"At the heart of the ōH programme are mentors sharing skills, and experience, supporting the development of local artists and crafters. They have clear objectives which are to champion local talent, empower growth and drive positive change so that a sustainable place on Chester’s high street is a genuine reality.

"This project is both imaginative and an excellent fit for the types of independent businesses Chester needs.”

• 6-12 Saint Werburgh Street, Renovation of Facades

Good: 6-12 Saint Werburgh Street, Renovation of Facades.

The judges said: “This group of buildings is arguably among the best (if not the best) of the half-timber revival in Chester. The architect was the eminent John Douglas, who had bought the whole length of this section of the street so that it could be developed in a co-ordinated manner.

"The buildings date from the 1890s and have been looking tired in recent years. Indeed, either side of the revamped section the adjoining buildings now look particularly sad.

"During 2024 the buildings in the central section were overhauled and repainted – they now look spectacular – the black and white decoration helping to highlight the superb ornately carved timber including figures such as those representing Hugh Lupus, Saint Werburgh and Queen Victoria.”

• New Chester Market

Good: New Chester Market.

The judges said: “Whilst not universally liked there is no doubt that the new market has been a great success. The mix of food court and traditional market stalls works well and there is a real buzz about the place.

"The atmosphere is lively and busy, and the area is filled with light from the large windows. The direct access from the car park works particularly well. There is no doubt that this is a significant factor in the success of the Northgate development.”

• Chester Zoo Nature Recovery Corridor

Good: Chester Zoo Nature Recovery Corridor.

The judges said: “Working to create and restore habitats for wildlife with local communities, support from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund (GRCF) has enabled Chester Zoo to lead the initiation of a significant nature recovery corridor in Chester.

"Currently this scheme has improved over 62 hectares for wildlife including 8 ponds, 24 hectares of wildflower meadows and 15 hectares of grassland. Of particular importance is their community engagement programme including long-term support to six schools and six community groups. Wildlife champions train community leaders and give ongoing support, there are also community and wider public engagement programmes.

"Partners in the Nature Recovery Corridor Project with Chester Zoo were Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Canal and River Trust, Sustrans, The Land Trust and Cheshire West Communities Together. The main funders were the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, match funded by Chester Zoo.”

Good - Commendations

Good commendation: The White Horse, Churton.

• The White Horse, Churton

The judges said: “In an important position in the centre of the village this building was looking very run down and dilapidated. After an extensive refurbishment it has been brought back to life as both a high-quality restaurant and a local pub.

"The character of the building has been maintained and enhanced with sympathetic decoration and interesting artwork on display. An external seating area has been formed with a small garden area which is a very pleasant space for a relaxing drink in the evening. It has once again become an important village community asset.”

• Bren Bikes, Live! New Scene, Newton

Good commendation: Bren Bikes, Live! New Scene, Newton.

The judges said: “Bren Bikes is a small local non-profit social enterprise with a significant sustainability impact. It was devised to provide in-house training for people with learning disabilities and autism in the Chester area and works with a range of host employers to provide placements so that its beneficiaries gain real-world work experience through supported one-to-one placements.

"It is an initiative that is preventing used (otherwise unwanted) bikes from being discarded and disposed of by refurbishing them and then selling them at affordable prices for reuse.

"Furthermore, by providing affordable bikes to the local community it is helping to encourage cycling and by providing a local quality-assured bike servicing facility the enterprise is helping to keep bikes well-maintained and in use.

"Over 2023 we understand that they sold 1,049 refurbished bikes, conducted 1,567 services, and supported 45 beneficiaries on placement. It also provides volunteering opportunities for people (to support the placements alongside its staff) with consequent well-being benefits and personal development for those individuals.

"Bren Bikes is a local Chester concern implementing an innovative scheme that is actively addressing all three aspects of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic.”

• New Residential Property, Farndon

Good commendation: New residential property, Farndon.

The judges said: “Situated by the River Dee, close to the bridge, this interesting new house replaces the derelict former Boathouse and Café. The use of brickwork and timber cladding works well and gives an interesting façade.

"Set at a level to avoid the regular flooding and against the backdrop of Farndon Cliffs it forms an interesting addition to view from the bridge.”

• The Lock Vaults, Hoole Lane

Good commendation: The Lock Vaults, Hoole Lane.

The judges said: “It is good to see the reopening of a local neighbourhood public house that has been boarded and closed for many years. The internal area has been opened up to create light welcoming spaces. Large new windows have been fitted into the external elevations, which can be opened in summer.

"The public facades have been tidied up and freshened to show off this corner site. It is good to see a pub reopening when so many are suffering in difficult times.”

• Chester Residents Association Group

The judges said: “This group organised a day long conference for Chester residents at the Racecourse in October last year with over 15 speakers from different Chester organisations.

"The idea was to inform interested residents about what is going on in Chester as well as answer their questions. Chester residents attended for free and there was a very good turnout. This was an excellent event bringing together a diverse group of people.”

The Bad and The Ugly Awards

The judges said: “This section is included in the hope that it will prompt action. Sadly, given the current stagnant economy and inadequate funding for local services, we are not anticipating that 2024 will bring many improvements.

As usual we had many nominations for our ‘Hardy Perennials’ (those buildings which get mentioned year after year) including Dee House, the state of the City Walls, the former Quicks Garage and St Olaves. We remain concerned about all these areas but this year we decided to concentrate on new nominations and those which we have not mentioned for some time.”

Bad/Ugly: Delamere Street.

• Delamere Street

The judges said: “The north side of Delamere Street from the University of Chester Building to the car parking area (which used to be the junction with Victoria Road before it was curtailed by the Ring Road) is looking very run down. This includes the boarded-up premises previously used by the Funeral Directors George Pettit and Sons, Alpha Barbers, two timber buildings and the derelict former Northgate Arms.

This area is seen by those heading to the Bus Exchange or parking in the underground car park giving a very poor impression of the City. It would be good to see this area redeveloped in the very near future.”

• The Roman Strong Room

Bad/Ugly: The Roman Strong Room.

The judges said: “This underground strongroom served as the legion’s treasury. It held the unit’s pay chests as well as the men’s savings and perhaps bullion and other valuables: it was kept under permanent guard. The aedes directly above was the regimental shrine.

It is good that these remains from the heart of the fortress are on show, but the display is weak and uninteresting. We also understand that that at times condensation makes it virtually impossible to see through the windows, although this was not the case when we visited. It would be good to see this cultural asset better used.”

• The Riverside Promenade

Bad/Ugly: The Riverside Promenade.

The judges said: “The Riverside Promenade was created in the 2000s to improve flood defence, and to provide a much improved and accessible route between the Groves and Cop Park. It is particularly popular with walkers and cyclists. There are splendid views towards the western city walls, castle, city and across the racecourse with spectacular views of the Grosvenor Bridge and down the canalised section of the river.

"Two areas of the Promenade have been particularly neglected; the area by the Little Roodee Car Park where vegetation is growing over the path and the adjacent car parking bays are covered with mud. The other is by the Racecourse Stables, the width of the path is significantly reduced by vegetation. The graffiti on the stable walls and the tunnel under the railway add to the feeling of neglect in this area.

Bad/Ugly: The Riverside Promenade.

"Sections of handrailing are in desperate need of repainting and the cobbles around the semi-circular seating areas are infested with weeds making an otherwise pleasant area feel unkempt.”

• Interpretive Devices

Bad/Ugly: (Neglected) Interpretive Devices in the Roman Gardens.

The judges said: “There are two particularly innovative interpretive devices found in the public realm in Chester – the digital binoculars on the City Walls overlooking the Roodee and the ‘look-through’ device in the Roman Gardens.

"The digital binoculars were installed as part of Portico and have not worked for years. They were intended to show viewers how the Roodee would have appeared over the centuries, including in Roman times and the Middle Ages, and the various changes that this landscape went through (supported by audio).

"They now have a metal plate across the coin slot and there is no notice to inform people that they do not work and yet the adjacent panel still invites people to use them. What a pity! It could help explain a key part of Chester’s heritage in an engaging and novel way.

"In the Roman Gardens the glass panel shows how the breach in the City Walls during the Civil War would have appeared some moments after it happened at this point of the City Walls. It provides a visual account of how the Parliamentarians stormed the breach and broke a long siege.

"However, the image is hard to distinguish because of green algae and moss.

"Both are prime examples of a wider issue of maintenance of all outdoor interpretation panels and the need for a regular maintenance regime to ensure interpretation media and key visitor signage remains legible, usable, relevant, and appealing. Obsolete, damaged, and non-working devices reflect badly on our city and detract from the visitor/educational experience.”

• Collapsed Wall, Liverpool Road

Bad/Ugly: Collapsed Wall, Liverpool Road.

The judges said: “It is seven years since the section of wall collapsed, surely it should have been repaired by now!”

• Closure of a Section of The Rows

Bad/Ugly: Closure of a Section of The Rows.

The judges said: “It is sad to see the closure of The Rows at the corner of Upper Bridge Street and Watergate Street. This is an important section of The Rows, and its closure gives a very bad impression to visitors and residents alike. Given the slow progress with other desperately needed repairs around the City there is concern that this area will not reopen quickly. Whilst it is important that appropriate safety measures are taken, it is unacceptable that repair work is not undertaken as soon as possible.”

• Poor Street Lighting

The judges said: “We have regular nominations for poor street lighting but have not included this in the awards before. This year we note in particular that walking into the car park from Castle Street after dark is very unpleasant due to the lack of lighting. It can be very intimidating being on your own, decent effective lighting makes such a significant difference.”

The judges were Peter Hadfield (Chair), Steve Wright, Graham and Sarah Catlin, Ann Farrell, David and Jean Evans. The ‘Good, Bad and Ugly’ Awards recognise progress and change over the past twelve months, encourage high standards in the built environment (urban and rural), recognise achievements that may not feature in a more formal award scheme, recognise the work of local individuals and promote the Chester Civic Trust in the wider community.