New start date agreed for Chester’s Northgate development
Published: 11 October, 2010
580,000-sq ft Northgate Project scheduled to commence Spring 2014
Cheshire West council has agreed a revised timetable and concept of a new retail-led scheme designed to help the city reclaim its national status as a leading shopping centre. Councillors also agreed financial and legal guidelines for a new contract with the scheme’s developer, ING Real Estate Development.
The Northgate Project concept is based on 580,000 square feet of retail space, and is likely to include department stores, a range of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars and other leisure facilities. Public consultation will now take place before the revised scheme is submitted for planning permission - probably in Autumn next year.
The council accepted an officers’ recommendation that current national economic situation and the large non-commercial elements included meant that the original scheme had to change. “The clear conclusion is that for a scheme in Northgate to succeed, it must be a more commercial solution with a strong retail focus,” members were informed. “The approach is supported by detailed research into Chester’s retail offer including an evaluation of the opportunities and deficiencies of the city centre.”
A spokesman for ING Real Estate welcomed the Council’s decision, “We look forward to working in partnership with the Council and stakeholders to deliver a retail-led scheme for the Northgate, which will revitalise this quarter and re-establish Chester’s national position as a top shopping destination.”
