Vision for Chester City Gateway unveiled 

Up to 600 homes could be delivered around Chester train station as part of the local council and developer LCR’s plans to unlock the “untapped potential” of the gateway site. 

LCR and Cheshire West and Chester Council have launched a consultation on a 10-year strategy aimed at guiding the redevelopment Chester City Gateway. 

The framework recognises “the untapped potential that this part of Chester can deliver and unlock, not only supporting the resurgence of the Gateway’s hinterland, but also its potential in regenerating the wider city centre and Chester’s local economy”, according to the project team. 

The proposals 

The draft strategic regeneration framework sets out an overarching, residential-led vision for the area and also includes plans to upgrade the train station and deliver a mobility hub. 

Other proposals for the area include: 

• Building a pedestrian footbridge alongside the existing Hoole Bridge 
• Upgrading the area’s public realm 
• Activating the ground floors of existing buildings.  

View the draft Chester City Gateway strategic regeneration framework 

The site 

The site is bound by Chester Millennium Greenway to the north, Lightfoot Street to the north east, Westminster Road to the East, St Oswald’s Way and the Bars roundabout to the south, and Brook Lane to the west. 

The council owns around 70% of the masterplan area. 

LCR and Cheshire West and Chester Council have identified seven plots that are ready to be redeveloped. These are: 

• Station Square – this area incorporates the train station and has the potential for a mobility hub to be delivered, as well as apartments or a hotel, and an improved public square. 
• Queens Road – located east of station square and earmarked for high-density residential development. 
• Hoole Way Edge – three sites, including two surface car parks and the Royal Mail delivery office. The car parks could feature homes while talks with Royal Mail about upgrading its site are ongoing. 
• Flookersbrook – a swathe of land immediately north of the train station that is earmarked for a mix of houses and apartments. 
• Lightfoot Street East – presents an opportunity to relocate existing businesses into a new development, “which would enable Lightfoot Street to be fronted with new terraced townhouses and apartments,” according to the framework. 
• Lightfoot Street West – located on the east side of Hoole Bridge, this plot could house residential units alongside a new History Centre, plans for which have already been submitted. 
• Northgate Links – two sites – land to the north of Chester Fire Station and land to the east of Trafford Street – that could be turned into houses. 

The project team for the masterplan comprises London-based design practice 5th Studio, alongside CBRE, Arup, and Faithful Gould. 

The consultation on the SRF will run for four weeks.  

Cllr Richard Beacham, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, said: “The Gateway offers a pivotal opportunity for transformational change in Chester. 

“Both for the area around the Railway Station where there is the potential to create a new high-quality living quarter in the heart of the city, and also for transport improvements that will better connect Chester with Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside and beyond.” 

“The area around Chester Railway Station is currently widely used by the local population and tourists but is not fit for purpose,” said Peter Rowe, senior development manager at LCR. 

“Through these ambitious plans we want to create a place that more accurately reflects the design of the wider city and offers a more welcoming gateway for those who live, work and visit the area.” 

Rowe added: “The vision for the site goes beyond just surface level improvements and will create real change to the wider area, better connecting it to the surrounding communities and making it more accessible for those who use it.”