The Northgate Development

The Northgate development is part of the wider One City Plan which will contribute to a reinvigorated city centre as part of a co-ordinated delivery strategy. The site, which is alongside Chester Town Hall and next to the proposed new theatre and library, is reserved for significant new retail development, along with leisure uses and a new market.

Northgate's objective is to rejuvenate the entire quarter through careful planning, design and architecture, bringing vibrancy and vitality to the area.

Critical to the future economic success of Chester, this will create around 1,600 permanent jobs, plus construction posts; an annual increased spend of £143m and additional rates of around £8m.

The Concept Scheme, which will change and evolve over time, includes:

• A significant range of new retail units, together with an increased leisure  offer, including a large number of restaurants, cafes etc and a multi-screen  cinema.
  
• Replacement of the ground level market at a key location for customers  arriving by car, bus or on foot, closely linked to the new theatre/library,  restaurants and the cinema.
  
• New and refurbished car parking for circa 1000 cars.
  
• A new open setting for the refurbished Town Hall, together with new  ‘courtyard’ open spaces within the scheme and a comprehensive  approach to the re-design and use of Town Hall Square.
  
• And a return to the former street pattern of the Northgate area; improved  linkages to the rest of the City – particularly though the redevelopment of  14/20 Watergate Street – and a scale of development in keeping with the  city.
  

The new concept has been produced by a top design team supported by a Member Working Group drawn equally from both major political parties and chaired by Councillor Les Ford, Deputy Leader of the Council.

The design team comprises: ACME, scheme architects; Davis Langdon, cost consultants; WSP, covering transport, archaeology and structures; and DTZ providing commercial support.

Project Contacts

• Chris Morland
  Email: chris.morland@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
  
• Cliff Mallows
  Email: cliff.mallows@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk