Plans for 62-bed aparthotel above McDonald’s in Chester

Real estate firm JBSL Holdings is looking for change of use approval for the units above the restaurant at 46-52 Foregate Street in the city centre.

Spread across the first, second, and third-floors of the building, 58 one-bed and four two-bed rooms would be created if given the go-ahead by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The 41,000 sq ft site offers three storeys at the front of the building, with part-three, part-two, and part-one storey at the rear.

JBSL’s plans include elevational alterations to front and rear including shopfront and separate aparthotel access, and the creation of part-one storey, part-two storey, part three-storey roof extensions.

This would allow for 21 rooms located on the first-floor, another 21 on the second-floor, and 20 on the third-floor.

Alongside McDonald’s the ground floor is currently taken up by fellow tenants Bodycare and Deichmann, with the latter soon to vacate their unit paving the way for the proposed aparthotel’s reception and a potential independent retailer to move in.

Apart from those floors directly above McDonald’s which are used by the restaurant giant, the ancillary upper floors are mostly unused. The landlord has negotiated with Bodycare to take back their upper floors so they can be used for the hotel, according to the plans.

Access would be provided via Priory Street, will a couple of parking spaces to be allocated for hotel guests.

A fitness suite, lobby, and restaurant/coffee bar round off the aparthotel plans.

A planning statement put together for JBSL by Westbourne Consulting points to demand for such short-stay provision in the city centre as a case for change of use.

It states: “The proposed aparthotel will bring a significant number of serviced hotel rooms to the bustling Foregate Street, offering a convenient and premium option for those who wish to stay in a serviced apartment in the city centre.

“There is a demand for this offering in the historic heart of the city centre, which our scheme seeks to provide.”

As well as Westbourne Consulting, Paul Treacy Architects, Element Sustainability, Boston Transport Planning, Spratt and Hamer, Pre-Construct Archaeaology, and Ascerta form the project team.

To view the plans search for application reference number 24/01757/FUL on CWAC’s planning portal.