Trio in the running for next phase of Chester Northgate
Ion with Vinci, Capital&Centric, and Cityheart are understood to be the three parties battling it out for the city centre residential opportunity.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is procuring a development partner for the second phase of its Northgate masterplan via the Pagabo framework.
The authority is keen to increase the number of homes in Chester city centre and tap into the government’s ambition for growth in the provision of housing.
No indication has been given yet for how many homes will be developed but it is understood that around 400 units is the aim. The plans are set to take in more than four acres including the old Forum shopping centre and offices, Hamilton House, Merchant House, Goldsmith House and the former Gateway Theatre.
CWAC is aiming to repurpose brownfield sites to deliver homes and public spaces which improve connectivity to the wider city centre.
The first phase of the Northgate development saw the completion of a relocated and revamped Chester Market, restaurants, cinema, car park, and offices.
It is understood that a winner for phase two will be selected in July.
Ion Developments and Vinci Developments are hopeful of securing a third regeneration project as a partnership. They were selected last February for the regeneration of Derby city centre and more recently by Coventry University for the redevelopment of the former Civic Centre.
Ion is also working with Wirral Council on plans for 1,500 homes in Birkenhead, while Vinci has been appointed as the contractor for the first phase of ECF’s Stockport 8.
Manchester-based Capital&Centric is seeking to further expand its geographical reach into Cheshire having branched out into Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cambridgeshire in recent months.
Cityheart has an enviable list of town centre regeneration projects under its belt including Fettlers in Wigan, Foundry Lane in Widnes, Prescot, and two sites totalling 130 acres in Northampton.
All parties declined to comment.
A lot to like in what CWAC have achieved already in Northgate, but so slow. Such an attractive site, with strong 2nd order effects on the vitality of the city centre.
By Rich X
This area was initially flagged as Chester’s missing cultural quarter, not an opportunity for residential build. Where is our concert hall, or art gallery. Poor decision. But hey, plenty of expensive parking available.
By Jules Miller
Excellent, I’m all for more residential development which will introduce approx’ 800 adults into the centre who can all support existing and new shops and businesses hopefully filling the rest of the empty city centre shop unit. However, imaginative quality architecture is required to enhance the visual aspect of the site. Also, let’s not spend years bringing this to fruition.
By Neil Evans.
Would be amazing if they rebuild the façade of the original market (some of which is still there) which was destroyed in the 60s. This site should incorporate some apartments and office space. A bonus would be if that awful Crowne Plaza was raised to the ground.
By GetItBuilt!
Rebuild the old fascia. Everyone will be happy
By VH1
Just out of curiosity, what are the plans to upgrade the local infrastructure to handle 400 units? More buses, more trains, more EV charging points, fibre, 5G, nurseries, schools, activities for children, upgrade Council web site, etc etc? Surely they aren’t just expecting 800 adults and no children and no autos?
By Allan
Need good building s to match the building s which are here, new house s not flat s
By Paul Macdonald
I recently visited the Chester Musuem and was very disappointed at the state of it. It really hasn’t changed since I was a child. Its a shame that Chester does not have a major musuem/gallery for local history and culture. This would’ve been the perfect opportunity to incorporate a cultural centre
By Anonymous