Okells lauded for enhancing Hoole's "vibrant" shopping scene
An independent coffee shop and garden centre in Hoole has been awarded this year's Judges Special award by Chester Civic Trust.
Okells has been commended for its work in restoring and bringing to life the former Co-op building in Walker Street.
Now in its 65th year, Chester Civic Trust recognises the best changes to the Chester property and civic scene - encouraging higher standards of design and maintenance in Chester's public realm.
The Co-op in Walker Street opened in 1906, including a grocer and butcher - together with a shoe and clothing store on the upper floor.
Latterly it became a convenience store, also accommodating Co-op Funeralcare.
After closing in July 2017 and ending 110 years of the Co-op on this site, the empty building started to become dilapidated and run down.
Highlighting the award, the judges said: "It is great to see that Okells has refurbished the building to provide a new shop selling plants, homeware and gifts together with a café.
"This is a really good addition to the vibrant Hoole local shopping quarter."
George Okell, director, added: "We're really pleased to have received the Civic Trust award and we're grateful to everyone who put their hard work into this renovation.
"With the building always having been there to serve the community around it, we wanted to do just that - bringing it back into use by offering our mix of home, garden and gift products along with fresh food and drink in a neighbourhood cafe.
"Having worked on the space over nearly two years, it's amazing to see it being used and we look forward to seeing it evolve."
Chester Civic Trust's annual Good, Bad and Ugly Awards are based on nominations members and aim to recognise the best changes to the Chester property and civic scene in the past year, encouraging higher standards of design and maintenance in Chester's public realm.
You can find out more about Okells Hoole here.
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