Old Palace set for hotel refurb

Acting on behalf Sanguine Hospitality, How Planning has secured full planning approval for the redevelopment of The Old Palace on Little St John’s Street in Chester into a wedding and event venue.

The Old Palace is a grade two-listed Georgian house dating from 1745 and historically was the residence of the Bishop of Chester. It has more recently been used as office space but is currently vacant.

Cheshire West & Chester Council has granted a change of use and listed building consent, to convert the building from offices to a wedding and event venue in landscaped grounds.

Plans include 24 guest bedrooms and support facilities as well as car parking, goods service access and landscaped grounds next to the River Dee. Designed by Edge Architects, the work includes limited external alterations to the listed building. A contemporary glazed extension will form part of a new function room with views of the City Walls and Roman Gardens.

Mel Morris Conservation also advised.

Liverpool-based Sanguine Hospitality is owned by Simon and Sara Matthews-Williams, and has developed several hotels across the North West. The management division was sold to US company Interstate in 2013.

Conor Vallelly, associate at How Planning, said: “Buildings of this nature only make up around

6% of all listed buildings in England, therefore, a highly detailed and sympathetic approach towards its restoration was needed, working in partnership with the Council and Historic England. The Old Palace is vacant and in need of a new lease of life. Sanguine’s proposals sensitively fulfil this objective, protecting and enhancing its special value whilst delivering a unique five-star wedding venue for Chester.”

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