THE first stage of the public consultation for the Northgate Development Project will open on Monday.

A model of the council’s plans will go on view at the Customer Contact Centre, in the Forum, until January 11.

The concept, part of the One City Plan, has been produced by a top design team and cross-party members working group.

It will include a department store, five large stores, a small food store, about 50 smaller retail units and up to 20 food and beverage outlets.

A new multi-screen cinema and market – to be built before the present market closes – will stand alongside the proposed £40m theatre and library complex, and a new square complementing the refurbished town hall and Chester Cathedral.

Parking for about 1,000 cars is proposed, together with bus stops within the Northgate site, cycle routes and storage facilities.

Cllr Samantha Dixon said: “The voices of residents, traders, visitors, investors and experts need to be heard – and most vitally acted upon.

“There will be arguments about the details and there will be differences about elements of it, but Northgate has to work for the people of Chester. It represents their jobs, their livelihoods and their prosperity.”

A series of meetings and briefings for key stakeholders are to be held in early December.

On December 10 and 11, the public will be invited to drop in sessions at the town hall’s Palatine Room, when the concept model, plans and artists impressions will be on view.

Members of the design team will be available to answer questions and will offer ‘walkabouts’ of the Northgate site.