New chairman for body working to improve Chester
Eric Langton, former editor-in-chief of newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror Cheshire, has taken over from Prof Steven Broomhead as chairman of Chester Renaissance.
Langton has been on the Renaissance board for two years. He is a member of the Chester Business Club executive, and is also chairman of a club providing social activities for adults with learning difficulties.
He said: "The One City plan is on target to deliver a Chester with a transformed social and cultural life for residents and bright economic prospects.
"I call it a 20-20 vision because the One City plan gives a very clear view of what needs to be done and a timetable to help us stay focused on our ambitions for the city so that by 2020 Chester will be the absolute jewel in the North West."
His appointment follows the formation of an independent board to promote the creation of a Business Improvement District for Chester.
Goals set by Chester Renaissance include:
- Establish of an independent board, CH1, managing more than £500,000 a year to promote and improve the city centre
- A new theatre and library providing top class performances boosting the local economy by £21m a year
- Northgate development's first phase includes a multi screen cinema, restaurants and cafes and a must visit new market concept
- A business district creating hundreds of new jobs in the city
- Vital new strategies to improve transportation, waterways, the Rows, and communications
Langton added: "There will be setbacks along the journey but I believe that there is a massive majority of Cestrians proud of their city who support the One City plan and can't wait to welcome the future.
"The private sector has a key role to play and we are blessed with lots of talented and imaginative people. Members of the Renaissance board will be knocking on many doors and making many phone calls encouraging people to give one voice to the One City plan.
"One loud, demanding, enthusiastic voice to ensure Chester's case for a fair share of funds for our projects gets heard in the corridors of power in Westminster and Brussels as well as bodies like the Arts Council and Heritage Lottery Fund."
Prof Steven Broomhead stepped down from the position of Chester Renaissance chairman when he became acting chief executive of Warrington council.
