Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee has approved plans for the first phase of the Chester Northgate development
Planning committee members gave their undivided support for the detailed designs for a new indoor market, Public Square, Picturehouse cinema and an arcade within the former library building. The committee also approved the inclusion of a multi-storey car park as part of this initial phase of Chester Northgate.
The designs were submitted following extensive public consultation with the views of Chester residents and local businesses helping shape the look and feel of the development.
The addition of green living walls was a popular theme of the responses received and will help bring greenery into the city centre whilst also referencing the Cheshire countryside.
The public square will provide a social space to keep Chester Northgate buzzing by day and night. There has already been great interest from community groups expressing an interest in using the space.
Councillor Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, said: “Planning approval for the first phase of the Northgate development is a welcome milestone in a long and complex journey towards building a brand new leisure destination in the heart of Chester.
“This is long-awaited and much needed investment in this part of our city centre and it will have a positive impact for residents, local businesses and the local economy with the creation of new jobs and new work for local suppliers.”
Councillor Stuart Parker, shadow cabinet member, communities and wellbeing, commented: “This project is one of the largest investments in the city centre and will help create a dynamic, modern city that is fit for the future whilst preserving all that is cherished from the past.
“Chester is a very special place and we have the unique opportunity to enhance its richness with new facilities and attractions inside the city walls.
“This is the first chapter and will be proof of high quality development for further investment in Northgate and the city centre.”
The next stage will see Vinci Construction formally appointed as preferred contractor.
Work to construct Chester Northgate is on schedule to start in January 2020.
