Chester’s temporary car park leisure hub to stay
Grosvenor is bidding to make the conversion of the top two floors of the Pepper Street multi-storey car park in the city centre permanent following the venue’s “commercial success” over the last 15 months.
The landlord has applied for permission to use levels eight and nine of the Chester car park for its Rooftop Social Club venture for the long term, having secured a short-term consent in 2024.
The venue has offered food and drink and hosted a range of events since November 2024, experiencing “commercial success and critical acclaim”, according to consultant Fisher German.
The scheme is made up of shipping containers, which comprise bars and kitchens, and a flexible events space that has been used for events such as curling and yoga.
The main seating area on the ninth floor, which is open air, can be covered by a retractable awning.
Rooftop Social Club is operated by IKO Projects, a household name in Chester. The firm operates Chester Market on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council and has three more of its own ventures in Chester, as well as a pair of venues in Ormskirk.
Chapman Taylor is advising Grosvenor and IKO Projects.
To learn more, search for reference number 26/00593/FUL on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning portal.
This great news, as its a brilliant venue, as the staff are so nice as is the food. In the long term this tired MSCP needs to go, its an eyesore and should be replaced with something far better and fitting for the location right next to the walls.
By GetItBuilt!
Wow I’ve lived in Chester for 30 years and never new this existed 🙈
By Michael
It’s great especially on a sunny day and the developer and operator have been really good with those living nearby.
By Katrina
Where is the entrance to it? Have never been able to find it
By Anonymous
Great! Seen this more than once in Lisbon and Melbourne.
By Anonymous