A new public space has opened outside Chester railway station, marking the gateway to the city's £100m Central Business Quarter.
The grade II-listed Carriage Shed (pictured) next to the station has undergone a transformation with the aim of providing an additional space to commuters, residents and visitors.
Carriage Shed, which will also be used as an outdoor events space, links to Muse Developments' recently launched 70,000 sq ft office building One City Place and across the Shropshire Union Canal to the £20m Waitrose store and other shops in Boughton.
More than £1.5m has been invested into the new public realm by Cheshire West and Chester Council supported with a grant of £617,550 from the European Regional Development Fund. The transformation includes the renovation of the Coach House, construction of an Arriva Trains Wales store, a glass roof, a living wall, planting and paving.
Carriage Shed will have a yearly events programme including live theatre performances to themed monthly markets.
Phil Mayall, development director for Muse Developments, said: "Carriage Shed and the surrounding public realm provides the perfect setting for Chester's new Central Business Quarter which will bring more than £96m to the city's economy growth.
"As well as providing an exciting new events destination for the city, the space will be open for the public to use. It will boost the connectivity in the area by linking Chester railway station to the surrounding business, leisure and retail opportunities and offer a unique event space in the heart of Chester."
Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure at Cheshire West & Chester Council, said: "Not only does the Carriage Shed provide a new sheltered walkway, it will also be available as a performance and activity space.
"The first activity takes place at the beginning of April when we'll be welcoming artist Cherry Chung plus food stalls for a family event over three days."
The new public realm was designed by Broadway Malyan and built by MPH Construction.
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