ALTERNATIVE uses should be pursued for the burnt-out Chester Enterprise Centre instead of demolition.

That’s the view of Chester Civic Trust which suspects Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning application to clear the site off Hoole bridge is motivated by ‘short-term financial considerations’.

The centre had housed 50 small businesses which benefited from low rent and rates until an accidental fire in December 2010.

CWaC has ruled out rebuilding an enterprise centre on the site but claims no decision has been taken about its future although there is speculation it may be sold for housing.

John Herson, on behalf of Chester Civic Trust, wrote: “The enterprise centre building was built as a railway goods station. It is a fine example of late nineteenth century functional railway architecture. We understand that, despite fire damage, the structure is sound and that there are no grounds for demolition for reasons of safety or lack of structural integrity.”

Mr Herson said Network Rail’s failure to gain planning consent for a multi-storey at the train station presented an opportunity.

He suggested: “With the failure of the west car park scheme at the station, a feasibility study is needed to consider the potential for this structure and site to be converted into the much-needed additional car parking at the station.

“This could be in conjunction with a new pedestrian bridge to the station area. There is a regional precedent in the conversion of the Great Northern Warehouse adjacent to the former Manchester Central Station (G-Mex).”

Handbridge resident John Murray, a former enterprise centre tenant, also objects to demolition.

He said: “I believe the shell of the building should be retained and adapted for other uses, such as a car park or business unit, rather than its demolition.”