CWAC approves Chester City Gateway

LCR and Network Rail will work with the local authority to deliver up to 600 homes and public realm improvements to “unlock the full economic potential” of the area around Chester train station, according to a council report.

Cheshire West and Chester Council approved the draft masterplan for the Chester City Gateway at its cabinet meeting on Monday.

The regeneration site includes Station Square, Queens Road, Hoole Way Edge, Flookersbrook, Lightfoot Street West, Lightfoot Street East, and Northgate Links.

Known as the strategic regeneration program, the framework is underpinned by five key initiatives:

• An improved Chester railway experience: internal concourse improvements, an enhanced Station Square public realm, and the provision of additional bus stops
• Greater accessibility: active travel improvements such as the creation of a pedestrian and cycle bridge alongside the existing Hoole Bridge, reduction of private vehicle use from parts of Brook Street and City Road and removal of through traffic on Station Road, and the creation of a mobility hub for the railway station
• Consolidating car parking: the building one multi-storey car park on the existing Chester Station West NCP above the proposed mobility hub, as opposed to the existing 10 that are spread out
• High-quality public realm: enhancing the public space around City Road Boulevard, Hoole Way Landscapes, Station Square, Flookersbrook, Shropshire Union Canal, and Lightfoot Street
• Housing: the construction of up to 600 homes as part of the 10-year strategy.

View the draft Chester City Gateway SRF

Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said: “The approval of the Strategic Regeneration Framework is an important step in the transformation of this core part of the city.

“As a major landowner and long-term investor in regeneration projects, we have a unique ability to create partnerships such as these around vital transport hubs”, he continued.

“The combination of development and infrastructure expertise generates real value and will help to deliver an improved neighbourhood for Chester’s communities and visitors, alongside driving wider economic growth for the region.”

The project team for the scheme includes London-based design practice 5th Studio, alongside CBRE, Arup, and Royal Pilgrim.

LCR and CWAC held a public consultation on the masterplan in January.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration, and digital transformation at CWAC, said: “Chester is a fantastic and vibrant city, and the City Gateway area forms the first impression of many visitors to Chester.

“Approval of the Strategic Regeneration Framework means there is an aspirational vision for positive transformation”, he continued.

“Responses to the framework consultation show clear enthusiasm for improvements to the station experience, active travel, public realm, and new homes.”