CHESTER’S market and library could be on the move if the controversial Northgate Project ever sees the light of day.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) chiefs are exploring the option of moving the city’s central library to the site of the new £38m theatre in the former Odeon building.
The move, if agreed, would enable a new market to be built on the site of the present library.
Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member, prosperity, said: “We will be talking to market traders and library users about this proposal which could potentially solve two of Chester’s major development issues.
“There is, of course, a community of interest between literature and drama, particularly from an education point of view. The proposal would also mean that the theatre complex would be used from early morning, throughout the day and evening.
“I understand the proposal would not compromise any plans we have for the various facilities which are planned as part of the theatre itself.”
CWaC intends to make its bid to the Arts Council for theatre funding this summer.
Cllr Manley added: “The Arts Council has recently taken over responsibility for library development and we have been advised by them to make our proposals distinctive and engaging for the community.
“At this stage the proposals can only be viewed as option and we will need to establish their feasibility before engaging in wider consultation.”
In February CWaC took control of the Northgate Project after terminating its long-standing agreement with ING Real Estate Developers.
Together with a new central market and improved library, the council’s concept for the Northgate Scheme envisages a greater leisure content including a multiplex cinema and more restaurants.
The retail-led scheme includes substantial major store units to satisfy modern retail requirements, in a range of ‘higher end’ unit sizes, avoiding competition with existing unit sizes, including a full-line department store and food and beverage space.
The concept scheme would provide and estimated 1,600 permanent jobs within the scheme itself, plus a large number of temporary construction jobs.
