Pochin/Liberty top out HQ Chester

Contractor Pochin Construction and developer Liberty Properties have topped out the HQ office, hotel and residential building on the former Cheshire Constabulary site in the city centre.

Cllr Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West & Chester Council, led the ceremony to mark the highest point of construction, joined by Jonathan Pochin, managing director of Pochin Construction and Paul Norman, director of Liberty Properties.

The 250,000 sq ft HQ Chester will comprise 35 apartments overlooking the famous Roodee racecourse, a four-star Abode hotel, 60,000 sq ft of speculative offices and several restaurants.

Jonathan Pochin said: "This ceremony commemorates all the work that has been undertaken to date. This project forms a major part of Chester Renaissance's vision to work in partnership with both public and private sectors to create a scheme, which injects further investment into the city. We are extremely proud to have played such a pivotal role in its development.

"The degree of trust, collaboration and friendship that has existed between the design team and Liberty has enabled us to overcome any potential challenges and deliver the scheme on schedule."

Cllr Jones added: "Due to the very nature of this strategic site, the development of any building here was always going to be a challenging task. We would like to thank both Liberty Properties and Pochin Construction for their sensitive approach in bringing HQ Chester to fruition."

Norman concluded: "From the outset, we strived to create a scheme which would form a landmark at the gateway to the city, yet sit comfortably within its surroundings. Working closely with the planners, as well as Pochin Construction and the design team, we have accomplished our objective.

"Abode's decision to come to HQ demonstrates the build's appeal and will certainly act as a catalyst in transforming this scheme into a hub of activity for the area."

The scheme is due for completion in September 2009.