The first office building in Chester’s £100m Central Business Quarter has been launched - representing a major economic boost to the region.
Muse Developments will today (Thursday, January 21) unveil One City Place, next to Chester Railway Station, to an audience of property agents, council dignitaries and businesses.
The 70,000 sq ft Grade A office space is the first of seven blocks to be built by 2028 as part of the new 500,000 sq ft business quarter, predicted to create 3,500 jobs.
Negotiations are ongoing with three potential tenants, in professional services, who would occupy two-thirds of the six-storey building if deals can be struck. When full, it will accommodate between 600-700 staff.
The Central Business Quarter includes longer term plans for 200 new homes including 100 canalside apartments and ultimately the scheme will feature hotel, restaurant and leisure facilities.
Phil Mayall, development director at Muse, said: “After 18 months of construction, we’re extremely proud to launch One City Place as an exciting new business destination in Chester.
“We’re confident that its location, top class office space and excellent transport connectivity with access to Chester Railway Station will attract businesses on a regional, national and international level. We have had good interest in the building and will be announcing the first lettings shortly.
“One City Place is the pioneering building in the Central Business Quarter and we look forward to continuing this development with a further six buildings. Our ultimate goal is to drive investment into the city, bring new jobs and promote Chester as a place to do business.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council invested more than £1.5m in new public realm around the scheme including the renovation of Grade II listed rail sheds linked to Chester Railway Station.
Residents, commuters and visitors can now walk out of the station and through the ‘Carriage Shed’ which features a new glass roof, ‘living’ wall, planting, seating and paving, directly into the new business quarter.
Cllr Louise Gittins, deputy leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The launch marks an exciting and prosperous new chapter in Chester’s history as the Central Business Quarter is one of the largest business developments in the city in recent years.
“It forms a key part of our One City Plan which aims to drive business in the city and move it towards a brighter future.”
Guy Butler, chairman of Chester Growth Partnership, said: “The completion and launch of City Place is significant for the future of Chester – particularly with regard to the offering of business space to employers by keeping accommodation current and attractive to the competitive employment market.”
The One City Place development was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and The North West Evergreen Fund.
