CHESTER will soon see its reputation as a business and leisure destination enhanced as the £80 million HQ scheme nears completion.

Progress on the former Cheshire Police headquarters, known as HQ Chester, is continuing apace.

Liberty Properties and Pochin Construction say they are making good headway on construction of the 23,225 sq m (250,000 sq ft) project, with the construction of the steel frame now well underway and a completion date set for summer 2009.

Jonathan Pochin, managing director of Pochin Construction, said: “Work is progressing well; the twin concrete basement is almost up to ground level, creating an underground car park over two levels. This will be a stunning addition to Chester’s business, leisure and hospitality offering when it completes next summer.”

Included in the project is a four-star luxury hotel, 5,574 sq m (60,000 sq ft) of office space, a number of restaurants and 35 residential apartments with views overlooking the famous Roodee racecourse.

The scheme’s striking design has been created to complement Chester’s historic architecture and incorporates both glass and natural stone cladding with standing seam zinc roofs.

Paul Norman of Liberty Properties added: “This is a landmark regeneration project and, with the steel frame now being erected, we’re looking forward to seeing the scheme come to fruition.”