Chester’s Northgate Development row flares up again

May 13 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A MOTION on the near half billion pound Northgate Development is due to be considered at a Chester Town Hall meeting of the city’s Tory Executive on Friday (May 16).

It was put forward by Lib Dem leader Cllr Paul Roberts (Farndon) and Labour leader Cllr John Price (Blacon Hall) before the recent elections.

They asked the council to note “with deep disappointment” the “disastrous mishandling” of the project by the Conservative administration.

The councillors claimed delays had been caused “solely by the ill judged decision to renegotiate it, leading to the current position where it is clear the scheme has no chance of proceeding intact and very little chance of proceeding at all”.

“In view of the impending loss of £460m of inward investment, Council calls for the immediate resignation of the executive member, together with a full apology to the people of Chester for causing this immense damage to the future economic viability of the city,” they add.

Executive member for development Cllr Mike Jones (Con, Tattenhall), has already made a detailed response, highlighting a series of delays to the scheme during the years when Labour and the Lib Dems controlled the city.

Developers ING have also offered reassurances they are still working with the city council to deliver the project, including a House of Fraser store.

Cllr Jones says ING have confirmed “their full commitment to Chester and a strong desire to see the scheme go ahead, with a plan to achieve an unconditional development agreement by the end of 2008”.

“They are currently in the market for new investors for the Northgate Development and this includes a number of potential investors who have contacted ING looking to invest in Chester, recognising Chester has a good brand and a strong investment attraction in the market,” said Cllr Jones.

The motion is likely to be disposed of.