Chester – On The Move
An event organised by residents for residents
Tuesday 22 October 2024
9:45am to 4:30pm
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.
The second CRAG conference 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.
This event is being sponsored and hosted by Chester Race Company.
Confirmed Speakers
Prof. Eunice Simmons
Vice Chancellor, University of Chester
Conference Programme:
09:00 – 09:45hrs – Arrival and Registration Refreshments and Networking
09:45 – 10:00hrs – Welcome and Conference Introduction
Mike Hogg, Conference and CRAG chair
Ian O’Doherty, chair, Chester Race Co Ltd
Conference Opening Remarks
The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr. Razia Daniels
10:00 – 10:20hrs – Keynote Address – Chester: On The Move
Prof. Eunice Simmons, Vice Chancellor, University of Chester (TBC)
10:20 – 10:40hrs – Session 1: Report and Update on the Chester One City Plan
Cllr Richard Beacham, CWaC deputy chair and Leader’s Champion for the OCP.
10:00 – 11:35hrs – Session 2: River Culture- The Dee as a City Asset
The Dee doesn’t just 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 secretary, Chester Regatta.
Panellists are: Emily Payne, River Quality Liaison Manager, Welsh Water; Peter Powell, CEO, Welsh Dee Trust and Dr Namrata Bhattacharja-Mis, University of Chester.
11:35 – 12:30hrs – 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 urban culture as they set out their plans to make Chester a vibrant cultural destination of choice.
Introduced and moderated by Cllr Louise Gittins CW&C Leader and Culture and Arts Portfolio holder (TBC).
Panellists are: Annabel Turpin CEO Storyhouse; Bense Burnett, trustee Storyhouse and lead of the OCP Experiencing Group and Paul Newman, archives manager, CWaC.
12:30 – 12:45hrs – Morning Q&A and Discussion Roundup
John Walker, CRAG vice-chair
12:45hrs – 14:00hrs – Lunch Break and Networking
Enjoy a hot buffet lunch served by Chester Race Company Ltd and take part in the Chester Quiz to win prizes.
14:00 – 15:00hrs – Session 4: Our City Landmarks, their Goals and 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 Nathan Pardoe CWaC cabinet member for economy and regeneration.
Panellists are: Tony Barton, architect and heritage consultant, Donald Insall Associates; Paul Martin, CEO Martin Group (TBC); Tony Swindells, founder, ōH Foundation and Dr. Niall McFadyen, chair CHASE.
15:00 – 15:30hrs – Afternoon Tea and Networking
15:30 – 16:30hrs – Session 5: Residents Roundtable
The chance to join one of three interactive and facilitated delegate discussion groups, focussed on addressing the conference’s key themes, though sharing and exchange of knowledge and ideas. Then listen to group outputs being fed back to delegates by the individual facilitators This is an important opportunity to make a difference and have your voice heard…
Group facilitators are the three elected members from the City of Chester and Garden Quarter ward: Cllr Paul Chamberlain; Cllr Katrina Kerr and Cllr Ben Walker.
16:30hrs – 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 £12 per head, which must be paid for at the time of registration.