Plans have been submitted for a modern retail, residential and dining development in the heart of the city centre.
The proposed mixed-use scheme for 14-20 Watergate Street – currently home to fashion retailer Reiss, Sainsbury’s and Costa Coffee – involves the retention of the existing tenants on the ground and first floors and an extension to allow the creation of 23 one and two-bedroom apartments.
A new eatery is also planned for the rear of the building, which would be accessed via the proposed pedestrianised area that forms part of the £300 million Northgate development.
The application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by Chester-based architectural, building surveying and planning practice Cassidy + Ashton, on behalf of independent property capital advisory and investment management specialist, Brotherton Real Estate.
Cassidy + Ashton say they have worked closely with the council’s planning team, conservation officer and commercial advisors Rivington Land, and Historic England to propose a scheme that respects the heritage of Chester, complements the proposed Northgate development, and answers the city’s requirements for improvements to the built environment that supports both commercial and evening economy goals.
Guy Evans, chartered town planner at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “As a Chester-based company that has followed the proposals for the Northgate scheme over a number of years, we understand the need to attract people to live, work and spend their leisure time within the city.
“The mix of retail, food and beverage outlets and residential accommodation in the proposals we have submitted addresses those objectives while refreshing an existing building to maximise the potential of its location.”
