The developer behind Chester’s high-spec new office block by the railway station says it is now 50% let or in lawyers’ hands after a second tenant was announced.

Energy specialist Power Solutions (UK) Ltd has taken 5,950 sq ft on the 4th floor of One City Place in a 10-year lease deal.

Power Solutions, who advise companies on how to reduce their energy bills, will relocate a 54-strong team from its current offices at Oakbase House on Trafford Street in Chester.

Power Solutions are moving out of Oakbase House, Trafford Street, where there are plans to create a 150-bed student scheme.

The company is the second organisation to commit to the Grade A, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated building in the last four weeks.

Accountancy firm RSM was revealed as the first tenant at the One City Place building which will eventually form part of Chester’s £100m Central Business Quarter.

RSM is relocating about 85 people from its existing Steam Mill base to take a 8,116 sq ft floorplate on the top floor.

Phil Mayall, development director at Muse, said: “We are delighted to welcome Power Solutions (UK) Ltd to One City Place. With 50% of the space now let or in lawyers’ hands, there remains strong interest in the remaining floorplates. With more lettings in the pipeline in the coming weeks, City Place is fast becoming the number one business destination in the city.”

Phil Mayall, development director at Muse, inside One City Place in Chester
Phil Mayall, development director at Muse, inside One City Place in Chester

Jeremy Taylor, from Power Solutions (UK) Ltd, said: “When we decided to relocate, we considered a number of options but felt that One City Place was the only location us. There is a real buzz in the city about the first office development in the City Place scheme, especially as it is starting to fill up, and we wanted to be a part of it. The state-of-the-art design and excellent transport links are also key for our organisation so we knew we needed to seize the opportunity before the One City Place was fully let.”

There has been speculation the University of Law (ULaw) wants to move from its existing Christleton base into the six-storey block after Muse was granted change-of-use planning consent allowing the first and second floors to be converted from an office into a non-residential educational facility.

But the university is giving little away.

The University of Law in Christleton, near Chester.

A spokesperson said: “Chester is an important centre for ULaw and we will continue looking for ways to strengthen and enhance our presence in the area. There currently are absolutely no plans to move from our premises in Chester.”

Over the next 15 years, it is estimated the business quarter will create 3,500 jobs, provide 200 new homes and retail opportunities, as well as a new hotel and leisure facilities. City Place is part-funded by a £4.8m development loan from the North West Evergreen Fund and a further £1.4m grant funding from the European Regional Development Fund.