Hundreds of new homes planned for city centre

About 400 new homes are planned as part of a flagship regeneration project for Chester city centre.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed it wants residential properties to replace empty shops and older buildings deemed to be no longer fit for purpose as part of the long-running Northgate development scheme.

Northgate's first phase included setting up a new location for the city's market place as well as restaurants and a cinema.

If approved, the new homes will feature in Northgate's second phase and the authority is set to appoint a developer to deliver it, as well as for a regeneration project in Northwich.

The Northwich Weaver Square proposals include relocating the town's market to the Barons Quay shopping centre - possibly as soon as next year - and building 100 new homes.

The Northgate scheme has been a long-running regeneration project in Chester, with plans mooted for 20 years before the new market eventually opened in October 2022. A cinema followed a year later.

Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for regeneration, said both projects were "once-in-a-generation opportunities" to create homes in the heart of Chester and Northwich.

"These two major regeneration schemes will bring increased footfall, vitality and long-term economic opportunity," he said.

"Most importantly of all, they will create spaces that future generations can be proud of."

The council's cabinet is expected to select Vinci UK Developments as a preferred developer on 9 July.

A pre-development agreement would then be signed for each project.

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