House of Fraser is the front runner to open the department store within the latest version of the £300m Northgate Development regeneration scheme.

A big name anchor is essential to attract shoppers to the retail-led city centre project being driven by Cheshire West and Chester Council .

The development – earmarked for the area occupied by the Forum and bus exchange – would also include new shopping streets, cafes, bars and restaurants, hotel, market hall, multi-screen cinema and 800 car parking spaces.

House of Fraser, John Lewis and Fenwick have all been targeted in the quest to find a prestigious name for a scheme that now has planning consent.

The controversial conceptual design of the department store with an example of the architectural style of some of the buildings

But the brand that has always surfaced among council insiders is House of Fraser which operates more than 60 stores in the UK and Ireland.

In fact the chain committed itself to the previous incarnation of Northgate in 2004 but the vision foundered four years later due to the global credit crunch. However, it seems HoF has not gone away.

Asked to comment on whether a deal had been struck, a House of Fraser spokeswoman said: “There is no update as of yet on House of Fraser and the Northgate Development.”

When the retailer looked at Chester 12 years ago it was explained that Northgate would provide the kind of large and flexible unit that was simply not available in the historic centre.

But there has already been controversy around the department store element of the 2016 Northgate project.

A computer generated image caused eye-brows to raise among Cestrians who felt the design, similar to the Selfridges in Birmingham, was not in keeping with Chester. However, those backing the scheme were quick to point out the image was purely conceptual.

Also contentious is the fact the existing four star Crowne Plaza hotel would have to be demolished – and replaced with a new building – to make way for the new store.

Backers say it is important the department store is clearly visible from St Martin’s Way and from the new shopping streets. Relocation would also allow views from the department store back down to the cathedral. And its rooftop café would afford views across to the Welsh hills.

An announcement is expected soon concerning the department store deal following recent news Picturehouse Cinemas will operate a six-screen venue within the scheme.

The investment strategy, to ensure the scheme as whole has financial backing, is due to go before full council at the end of the year.

The under-construction Chester Storyhouse where Chester Library will relocate.

Construction would be in two phases.

The first phase will start in autumn 2017 to create a new market hall with cinema above and the replacement Crowne Plaza. A restaurant hub will be based within the building currently housing Chester Library which will relocate to the Storyhouse cultural centre.

And in 2019 the existing hotel together with the Forum and several other buildings will be demolished, so work can begin on the second phase of construction to create the main retail offer and department store.