Chester's future: Northgate development rises from the ashes

Jul 29 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

A RESURRECTED Northgate development scheme is to be put before Chester councillors before the end of September.

Specific aspects of the 600,000sq ft retail development have yet to be revealed but if the outline application is approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Executive on September 29, the long awaited project will move to the detailed design stage.

At the moment it is unclear whether the development will include a performing arts centre or involve the relocation of Chester Library – both of which formed part of the earlier scheme.

That £400m project – which was to have included a flagship House of Fraser store and 60 retail units – has remained in limbo after falling victim to the credit crunch.

But now the Northgate Partnership – Cheshire West and Chester Council and ING Real Estate Development – anticipate a comprehensive public consultation could take place on the new scheme in the first half of next year.

Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member for regeneration, said: “It has been a long road but while many such schemes in other parts of the country have died, Chester continues to attract interest from potential investors and retailers.”

A spokesman for ING said: “Within the present difficult economic environment, this is an important milestone for the regeneration of the Northgate Quarter.

“We are looking forward to working with all stakeholders to develop a scheme that will bring new vitality to the area.”

ING has been working in partnership with Land Securities since early last year to explore the viability of a retail scheme for Chester city centre.

That exercise is now complete and, following detailed discussion between the council, ING and Land Securities, they have mutually decided that terms defining future participation and which are commercially acceptable to all parties cannot be agreed at this stage.

In the circumstances, Land Securities will not participate in the immediate progression of the development but will continue to maintain a close interest.

Cheshire West and Chester Council Executive is expected to consider the concept of the Northgate plans at its meeting on September 29.

See also:

Renaissance vows to carry on developing

Zoo needs to find £40m

University feels the pinch