EXCITING plans are imminent for the redevelopment of Chester’s 18th century shot tower built to supply musket shot for the British forces in the Napoleonic Wars.

Liverpool-based Neptune Developments is behind a canalside scheme to bring apartments, shops, restaurants and bars to the base of the landmark structure, as well as a heritage element.

It would fit in with plans for an adjacent £1bn business quarter employing 2,500-5,000 people in offices on land currently owned by Lloyds Banking Group.

The shot tower project would also feature a new bridge over the Shropshire Union canal which providing access to the proposed Waitrose supermarket in Boughton.

Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesman Ian Callister confirmed the planning department had been in talks with Neptune and another company about a mixed-use scheme.

The project is understood to be advanced with a planning application expected in autumn.

Chester and District Housing Trust will provide an affordable housing element within the scheme.

Over the past week, workmen have been on site carrying out demolition and clearance work.

A previous similar scheme was granted planning permission in 2007 but the firm went into receivership.

Chester’s lead works were established in the late 18th century to manufacture shot for British muskets during the Napoleonic Wars and shot manufacture continued on the site until 1986 when the works closed down. Chester’s lead shot tower, which is Grade II* Listed, is the only remaining historic shot tower in the UK.

The site is also of local importance as at 51.2 metres (168 feet) it is currently the highest structure in Chester, being slightly taller than the Town Hall tower, which stands at 160 feet tall.