VINCI/ION at the double in Cheshire West
The joint venture has been selected by the local council to deliver the second phase of the transformation of Chester Northgate and the regeneration of Weaver Square in Northwich.
VINCI/ION, a partnership between the global construction firm and Liverpool-based developer, has overcome its competitors to win both jobs for Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Both regeneration opportunities were procured via the Pagabo framework.
In Chester, VINCI/ION will 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.
The partnership prevailed over Capital&Centric and Cityheart, the other two shortlisted parties.
The first phase of the Northgate development saw the council self-deliver a relocated and revamped Chester Market, restaurants, cinema, car park, and offices. Vinci was the contractor for this scheme.
In Northwich, VINCI/ION will lead on the redevelopment of the council-owned Weaver Square, the town’s main shopping area.
The project could result in the delivery of more than 100 homes and a new-look market; the former Weaver Square market was destroyed in a fire in early 2020.
VINCI/ION’s appointments in Chester and Northwich are its third and fourth 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.
Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said: “The Weaver Square and Northgate Future Phases schemes are both once in a generation opportunities to create vibrant and sustainable residential-led neighbourhoods in the heart of Northwich and Chester.
“These two major regeneration schemes will bring increased footfall, vitality and long-term economic opportunity. Most importantly of all, they will bring quality placemaking and create spaces that future generations can be proud of. They demonstrate that Cheshire West & Chester Council is committed to regenerating towns and city centre across the Borough, and will continue our track record of transformation and success. We look forward to a collaborative and productive relationship with VINCI and ION to help us to realise the ambitions of Northwich and Chester.”
He added: “The next stage of the process will be the signing of a Pre-Development Agreement for each scheme. VINCI and ION will work with the Northwich and Chester communities to co-produce masterplans for the two sites, putting the aspirations of local residents at the centre of the new developments.”
I’m sure it will be fun working with CWAC – well done Ion/Vinci .
By PB
just to pick on a few points
1). The Council district is Cheshire west but Northwich is in Mid cheshire and has always been!
2) The Main Shopping centre is not Weaver Square its Witton Street and has always been!
3) A development opposite the now closed weaver square was finished a few years ago Estimated about 100 Flats its been a laughing stock in town since its not even 50% full after 3 years of finishing! so Ion/VINCI be careful what you wish for!
By Northwich
Good luck to Chester and Cheshire West businesses trying to get involved in the design teams. No doubt dominated by large corporates with offices outside the region and barely a sniff of new jobs being created in architecture, structural, civil, MEP, fire engineering, planning and highways etc in the region.
By Ian Vince
@ July 01, 2025 at 7:36 pm
By Ian Vince
I’d imagine they would have to note the emerging design code (by Create Streets) for the unitary authority when submitting architectural plans.
By Rye
Why not build some flats for over (55) age group right in the middle of the city. Of which I would buy or rent one depending on the cost of the flats (not for the so called rich) as Chester is famous for.
By Mark povey
It would be amazing if they rebuilt the sadly demolished old market façade in the 60s
By GetItBuilt!
CWAC need to mandate that these flats aren’t immediately turned into holiday lets – Chester centre needs some people living there, rather than more parasitical letting businesses.
No doubt the ‘architecture’ will be horrid; the new market/food court is basically a retail park/warehouse style building with some cladding; fully expecting MBA-approved ‘Manchestanywhere’ blobs for these new buildings. They’ll be an improvement over the derelict 60s – 90s buildings currently there, but won’t add anything long term.
By John Smith
Congratulations to Ion/Vinci. Regeneration of this site in the centre of Chester is well overdue. Great opportunity to deliver a truly mixed use scheme with residential but also a decent amount of modern office space……please. Provision of grade A space in the city is minimal and city is losing occupiers to Warrington, Liverpool and out of town business parks. No incubation space, no tech hub. Demand is there and post covid, occupiers are demanding better quality space. Supply is sorely lacking. Over half office stock in city centre has been repurposed in last 10 yrs (resi, hotel, leisure) and there has been no new build since Muse delivered One City Place over 10 yrs ago. Yes, there is a viability issue for new build from which there is no escape. But Goldsmith House and Merchants house could be upgraded. Without some decent office space, particularly for SME market, Chester will simply be a dormitory town and a weekend trip
By Will Sadler
re: Mark Povey – Chester is a City not a town – Northgate is the heart of its economic core – the place where employment and gross value add can be maximised. Residential to this degree is suicide unless the desire is for the City to become a sleepy dormitory town.
By Anonymous
Flats for elders in town centers: within walking time of most things they need. And many “Boomers” can truly afford them. A no-brainer.
By Anonymous
Nice to hear about Create Streets, would caution that nearby combined authorities have investment plans that insist on using local skills. Developers mentioned here find clever ways of bypassing that whilst taking public money to fund their projects.
By Ian Vince
Mark Povey has a point. Any new scheme could include some over-55s housing provision, mixed in with family and other age a group housing, along with other uses. Mixed aged places tend to be more resilient. Cities are not just for 30 year old professionals. Some towns in the UK are already taking this approach.
By Rye