ION progresses plans for 600 homes in Cheshire West
The developer wants to deliver 400 flats in the second phase of the Chester’s Northgate masterplan and another 200 at Weaver Square in Northwich.
A JV between ION Property and VINCI was selected for the two West Cheshire schemes last year. Since then, VINCI has acquired ION and plans for the two projects have been fleshed out.
Consultations on both developments, understood to have a combined GDV in the region of £200m are now live and will run until 19 June.
In Chester, ION plans to deliver phase two of the Northgate masterplan, which will feature up to 400 homes as part of a mixed-use redevelopment of the Forum Shopping Centre and offices, Hamilton House, Merchant House, Goldsmith House and the former Gateway Theatre.
Initial proposals feature plans for a new cultural building next to Chester Town Hall. This element of the plan could house a gallery or performance space.
BDP and Chapman Taylor are advising on design.
Gemma Davies, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s director of economy and housing said: “The Chester development seeks to re-purpose existing buildings where possible, while removing those at the end of their life, to maximise connections to Northgate’s retail and leisure offer, including Chester Market, Storyhouse, restaurants, Picturehouse Cinema, Chester Cathedral, Watergate Street and Town Hall Square.
Weaver Square shopping centre is to be replaced by circa 200 homes. Credit: via CWAC
At Weaver Square, ION will lead on the redevelopment of the council-owned Weaver Square, the town’s main shopping area.
The project, designed by Corstorphine & Wright, could result in the delivery of around 200 homes – a mix of houses and apartments.
The former market, destroyed in a fire in early 2020, will relocate to Baron’s Quay.
Both projects will feature a portion of discounted housing. WSP is the planning consultant for both projects and Curtins is advising on structure.
Davies added: “The Northwich scheme forms part of a comprehensive regeneration strategy and covers Northwich Market – which will relocate to Barons Quay later in the year, Weaver Square shopping precinct, Apple Market Place, the Information Centre and the Victoria and Market car parks.
“The plans will replace buildings at the end of their life and introduce a new residential neighbourhood while enhancing the town’s character and vitality.”
Steve Parry, managing director ION Developments, said: “Building on initial engagement with stakeholders we’re pleased to preview our early vision and get input from the community on both developments.
“We’re keen to speak to anyone who lives, works in or visits Chester and Northwich to hear their views on the next phase of regeneration.”
Good for Ion. Pity that they aren’t currently involved in more schemes in their home city of Liverpool.
By Anonymous
A good step forward on both schemes!
By Anonymous
It would be nice to see a bit more detail rather than birds eye views of white & beige boxes, however good to see some positive development on the way.
By Anonymous
Looks a decent scheme, would be great if it could continue and wipe out the awful Crowne Plaza
By GetItBuilt!
We hope you don’t take Victoria car park of us as this is very important as a lot of elderly and disabled people use it and it is handy for the shops
By Anonymous
I’m sure they have architects in Cheshire West and Chester. You’d be forgiven for thinking they don’t when you see these choices. Do they really give a hoot about Social Value
By Steve Davies
I can tell you as northwich resident that looks dreadful – they need to go back
to the drawing board!
By Northwich
Great that this is finally getting going; having moved all of the council / police jobs out of Chester there’s been this void for ages. Expecting the usual cheap cladding-on-frame buildings that everywhere has now, similar to the new ‘exchange square’ buildings that are already showing wear on whatever cheap alloy their roofs are made of. Much better than the current area of slowly rotting empty office blocks, though !
By John Smith
You have already destroyed Northwich with the new shopping centre. We were promised a nice waterfront which would have encouraged people to the. area together with shops and cafes that did not happen we are now left with huge shops that the average shop owner cannot afford so there is no diversity in that area. Let’s see what a mess you make of the housing strategy.
By Eileen Barlow