George Street Pocket Park opens

Chester's newest park opened on Monday 8th July 2019. The George Street Pocket Park has brought back to life an area by the Shropshire Union Canal and city walls that have been unused for many years.

Following initial survey work the site was cleared and the initial concept design proposals were amended to avoid underground utilities.
Wide consultation considered archaeology, conservation, ecology, trees and building regulations, with Historic England, the Canal & River Trust and Scottish Power helping with the concept designs. The design was also strongly influenced by the backdrop of sandstone found within the city walls and the Shropshire Union Canal.

Public consultation followed on the amended concept design. The first phase of specialist conservation works to restore the original entrance and introduce a second entrance involved repairs to the original sandstone pillars and new gate pillars installed using St. Bees sandstone.

The original wrought iron gates were restored and a second pedestrian gate was made from the existing railings that were cut out to open up the new entrance.

The new viewing platform gives views of King Charles Tower, the Shropshire Union Canal and the city walls. The platform allows for inclusive access from the main pathway.

To protect the roots of the lime trees, excavation on the site was limited. A geotechnical survey also advised against extensive excavations. Mini-piling was used as the most suitable solution for the timber structures.

The pathway has been built up to avoid disturbing the root protection area of the limes. The path surface allows for rain water to reach the tree roots. Public access is restricted to most of the embankment to help preserve undisturbed areas for wildlife.

Lavenders have been planted at the edge of the pathway, to provide pollination opportunities for wildlife. Woodland meadow seeding and bulb planting will help to diversify the species mix of planting on the embankment. Bird and bat boxes have also been installed, to support bird and bat populations in the area.

For further information on the exciting regeneration plans for Chester see Chester's One City Interactive dashboard on the Chester Growth website. CLICK HERE for full story and links.