Loose stonework halts station lighting scheme

26 January 2007

The installation of a new lighting scheme at Chester station has been temporarily suspended after contractors discovered loose stonework on the west wing facade and the west tower of the building.
Following the discovery, the city's building control team has been liaising with the private owners of the affected area to make sure it is secured as soon as possible.

For a number of weeks, part of the station has been cordoned off whilst structural engineers and stone masons assessed the damage. They have now confirmed that the rest of the building is safe and given the go ahead for some of the safety fencing to be removed.

Councillor Ann Farrall, city portfolio-holder for culture explained: "Public safety is a top priority and due to these unforeseen circumstances, we have no choice but to suspend work on the lighting scheme until the stonework is repaired.

The Gateway Partnership, which is responsible for delivering the station improvements, is working with the private owner whose co-operation has helped to re-open the short stay car park and most of the walkway at the front of the building. Once we are satisfied that the loose stonework is safe, the contractors will be back on site to continue the work that they have already started."

The installation of the architectural lighting scheme began last November to create a brighter environment, improve public safety after dark and highlight the architectural detail of an important grade II* listed building. The lighting is part of a wider regeneration project to repair and improve the station complex and its surroundings making it a key gateway into the city and enhance other historically important buildings along Brook Street and City Road.

The programme is being funded by English Heritage Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas and delivered by the Gateway Partnership which includes Arriva Trains Wales, Cheshire County Council, Chester City Council, Merseyrail, Merseytravel, Network Rail, North West Development Agency, Railway Heritage Trust, Virgin Trains and Visit Chester & Cheshire.

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