A NEW year-late target date has been set to reach a deal on the multi-million pound shopping scheme which could decide the fate of Chester’s economic survival.
But a “no confidence” debate this week degenerated into a furious row among councillors about who is to blame for the delays on the £460m Northgate development project which is now in jeopardy because of the worldwide credit crunch.
Developers ING are said to be “positive” about further negotiations with the city council to sign an agreement in November which would commit them to going ahead with development soon after.
The project includes a performing arts centre to replace the closed Gateway Theatre, at least one major department store, 60 new shops plus a new library.
But on Wednesday councillors seemed more intent on landing blows on each other than working together to deliver the project which many people see as critical for the economic and cultural future of the city.
The Tories believe they inherited problems when they took control of the authority from the joint Labour-Lib Dem administration last May but the Labour and Lib Dem groups say the project has been subject to ‘disastrous mishandling’ by the Tories over the last 10 months.
The bickering was provoked by a motion from Lib Dem leader Paul Roberts, seconded by Labour leader John Price, criticising the Tory administration’s handling of the scheme, calling for resignations and demanding “a full apology to the people of Chester”.
Councillors from all sides then waded into the row with phrases such as “hypocrisy on a grand scale”, “carefully orchestrated duel”, “you have failed the city”, “mischievous motion” and “trying to stir up trouble”.
Former Lib Dem councillor Ann Farrell, during public speaking time, voiced her concerns about the scheme.
She said: “I am assuming that no news is not good news and that the scheme is faltering. The city desperately needs a city centre focus for culture and it is unacceptable that Chester should be without a performing arts centre.”
No councillor put forward any suggestion or proposal as to how to bring the scheme closer to becoming a reality.
Council Leader Margaret Parker told the meeting that the council “is seeking to deliver the Northgate without any major structural changes.”
