Chester On The Move
An event organised by residents for residents
Tuesday 22 October 2024
9:30am to 4:30pm (with registration from 8:45am)
The County Long Room, Chester Racecourse, CH1 2LY
Conference Introduction:
Simply put, Chester has fast become full of energy, enthusiasm, activity, and life – in other words healthy and alive. It is smoothly moving to be one of the most visited locations in the country.
Understanding this city vibrancy is central to CRAG’s mission of bringing people together, putting residents’ wellbeing at the heart of this welcome regeneration and aiming for public places which are open, inclusive, and welcoming for all people.
Today’s programme will focus on Chester’s dynamism, looking at what is now happening in the city, reading its future hopes and aspirations, and giving a voice to its people of today, and its young citizens of the future.
Get Tickets Now
Confirmed Speakers and Panellists
Prof. Eunice Simmons
Vice Chancellor, University of Chester
Suzie Henderson
Creative Director, Storyhouse
Cllr. Richard Beacham
Deputy Chair, Cheshire West and Chester Council
Bense Burnett
Lead Experiencing Group, One City Plan
Tony Barton
Architect and Heritage Consultant, Donald Insall Associates
Morning Programme
08:45 – 09:30 hrs Arrival and Registration Morning refreshments and networking
09:30 – 09:50 hrs Conference Introduction and Welcome
Mike Hogg, Conference and CRAG Chair
Ian O’Doherty, Chair, Chester Race Company Ltd
Conference Opening Ceremony
The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Chester
09:50 – 10:10 hrs Keynote Address: ‘Chester on the Move’
Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice Chancellor, University of Chester
10:10 – 10:30 hrs Session 1: Report and Update on the One City Plan
Cllr. Richard Beacham, CWaC Deputy Chair and Leader’s champion for the
One City Plan
10:30 – 11:30 hrs Session 2: River Culture – Our River as a City Asset
The Dee just doesn’t carry water, it contributes significantly to the quality of our lives as well as being important for our future. Its true value is best measured by the cleanliness’ of its water and the vitality of its usage.
The session will focus on the exciting actions underway to protect and enhance the amenity of the river together with sustainable plans to harness its cultural and economic value and thereby create a splendid legacy for our children.
Introduced and moderated by Jan Chillery, Chair, Chester Business Club and Hon. Vice President of Chester Regatta
Emily Payne, River Quality Liaison Manager, Welsh Water
Peter Powell, CEO, Welsh Dee Trust
Dr Namrata Bhattacharja-Mis, University of Chester
11:30 – 12:30 hrs Session 3: The Best of Art and Culture
Culture is key to unlocking the power and potential of city space. Its impact on the community is profound. Cultural centres are places that are common to everyone, places where residents and visitors alike come together for the day-to-day life of the city to unfold. Listen to experts from the field of city culture as they set out their plans to make Chester a vibrant cultural destination of choice.
Introduced and moderated by Kathy McArdle CWaC Executive Director of Place and Growth
Suzie Henderson, Creative Director, Storyhouse
Bense Burnett, Lead – Chester One City Plan “Experiencing” group.
Paul Newman, Archives Manager, CWaC
Dave Southern, Chair, Chester Buskers Association
12:30 – 12:45 hrs Morning Q&A and Discussion Roundup
John Walker, Vice Chair CRAG
12:45 hrs Lunch and networking
Enjoy a hot buffet lunch served by Chester Race Company Ltd
Lunchtime Conference Prize Quiz
Afternoon Programme
14:00 – 15:00 hrs Session 4: Our City Landmarks, their Goals & Heritage
People are drawn to and will return to places which are welcoming, have vibrancy, and an attractive appearance. Sadly, many of our most well-loved public places and buildings appear foreloin and are tarnished by emptiness and neglect.
The session will focus on what is, and what should be done to return our cherished places and buildings to their rightful status of a city landmark.
Introduced and moderated by Cllr Katrina Kerr CWaC Leader’s Champion for History and Heritage
Tony Barton, Architect and Heritage Consultant
Tony Swindells, Founder, ōH Foundation
Dr Niall McFadyen, Chair CHASE
Ted Comer, Clerk of Works, Chester Cathedral
15:00 – 15:30 hrs Afternoon tea and networking
15:30 – 16:30 hrs Session 5: Residents’ Roundtable
The chance to join one of the interactive and facilitated delegate discussion groups focussed on addressing Conference key themes though sharing and exchange of knowledge and ideas. Listen then to group outputs being fed back to conference by the individual facilitators This is an important opportunity to make a difference and have your voice heard
Group Facilitators: Councillors representing wards in or adjacent to Chester
16:30 hrs Conference closing remarks and farewell
Mike Hogg, Conference and CRAG Chair
Parking
Chester Race Company has kindly arranged for free conference attendee on-site parking on the County Long Room car-park which is immediately in front of the venue. Entrance is via the Racecourse parking entrance on New Crane Street, CH1 2LY.
Additionally, there is pay-for car-parking available in the immediate vicinity at the following:
- CWaC Watergate Street, CH1 4JE (immediately opposite to racecourse entrance) or a short walk away at either:
- Linenhall Car Park, entrance off Nicholas Street, CH1 2NX or at
- New Market Car Park, Hunter Street, CH1 2AR.
Booking
The conference is free to attend – including complimentary morning coffee and afternoon tea – compliments of the Chester Race Company. A hot buffet lunch is available at £16.50 per head, which must be paid for at the time of registration.