Chester Northgate Future Phases Update

The next phase of the Chester Northgate development aims to create a new flagship residential community of over 400 new sustainable homes including much needed affordable homes in the heart of the historic city. The scheme will also deliver public spaces and supporting infrastructure to support economic growth by attracting investment and increasing footfall.

A Pre-Development Agreement has been signed by Cheshire West and Chester Council with VINCI UK Developments Limited, the Council’s preferred development partner, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of Chester city centre.

The agreement sets out the collaboration between the Council and VINCI UK Developments Limited, who will deliver the scheme through a joint venture with ION Property Developments Ltd, procured through the Pagabo Developer-led Framework. This partnership brings together extensive experience in urban regeneration and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable development.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: The Pre-Development Agreement enables VINCI and ION to work up a masterplan for the Northgate site, and carry out feasibility studies, landscape and highways surveys and to develop a business plan to help unlock external funding and support delivery. These activities will collectively inform the future redevelopment of the site, which is a key part of the Chester One City Plan.

Chester One City Plan, Making group Chair, Andy Farrall, said: “The Northgate Project is one of the One City Plans highest priorities. It will make a huge contribution to the future of the place, building upon the successful Northgate 1 scheme and other recent investments in the City. I welcome the appointment of VINCI / ION as the projects Preferred Developer. This is a significant milestone to its delivery.

“All One City Plan working groups will be positively contributing to and collaborating in the design and development of the project to create a new mixed use scheme that reinforces the city centre and strengthens it as a place to live, do business and enjoy.”

The scheme will re-purpose existing buildings where possible and demolish any buildings at the end of their life to open up a forgotten quarter of the city centred around Hamilton Place, and maximise its proximity to the vibrant retail and leisure areas of Northgate, including the award winning Chester Market and Storyhouse, successful restaurants and Picturehouse Cinema, the magnificent Chester Cathedral, Watergate Street and Town Hall Square.

A spokesperson for VINCI ION said: “We look forward to working with the Council and the community to develop our plans for Northgate, replacing the 1960’s empty shops and buildings that are past their useful life with a range of new modern and sustainable homes that will be a major boost for the city, helping drive its future growth and success.”