A VITAL part of the blueprint for the future development of Chester was announced this week.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has commissioned a development study to explore commercial development opportunities on the eastern side of Chester City Centre.
The area around the railway station – Chester Rail Gateway - has already been identified as a key development opportunity for the North West region.
And the next stage of detailed work will set out the commercial options for a new city-centre business districtŠthat will secureŠcurrent jobs and create vital new employment. Š
A team of consultants led by the Manchester – based planning and development specialists GVA Grimley are working with the Council and Chester Renaissance to undertake this Study.
It is expected that the study will be completed in the summer.
Full consultation with the public and stakeholders will take place in the coming months as the options are developed.
Said Cllr Herbert Manley, Executive Member, for Prosperity said: “The area provides a natural location forŠa commercial quarterŠsimply because of its close proximity to Chester General Railway Station with its hourly links to London, Crewe and the rest of the country.
“Chester Business Park is fully developed - so we need to fulfil the city’s commercial potential elsewhere and believe the area under review isŠideal for that purpose.“
Rita Waters, Chief Executive, of Chester Renaissance added: “The cityŠis rightly famous for its historic features and has alsoŠestablished a reputation as a centre for finance and commercial services.
“We will continue to strengthen and grow our employment opportunities for the good of this city.”
