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139K views 529 replies 94 participants last post by  madannie 
#1 · (Edited)
Don't think a Chester thread has been started so thought I would add my own.

First off is the biggest development Chester has seen in years. The Northgate development. In conjuction with Chester City Council, ING real estate and London & Amsterdam architects , at a cost of 250 million pounds, they hope to recreate a new quarter for the heart of Chester City Centre. The development will include a new performing arts centre, new library which will move from its current location about 100 yards up the road, 440 square foot of retail space, 150,000 square foot department store which has been confirmed as house of fraser, 3 large flagship stores yet too be confirmed, 60 new shops, 652 space multistorey car park, and 111 residential apartments. They hope to complete the scheme by 2010.

AS IT LOOKS TODAY





TOMORROW?





 
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#115 ·
Thanks for posting that, roma.

When throwing ingredients into the 'world class city' pot, it always surprises me that councils aren't more ambitious in their choice of 'development consultant' or whatever they're called. Looking at some of those renders isn't exactly a treat for eyes.

We are part of Europe after all so it might interesting to work with consultants from Amsterdam, Berlin, Montpellier, wherever, just for once - if only to see if it can generate something less run-of-the-mill.
 
#116 ·
I take your point Babs.. this side of the water (or at least here in Rome) we tend to get the architecture right but the logistics and infrastructure all wrong, opposite of the UK.
I notice that Chester are using RWHL as there masterplanners, who worked on St Pauls Sq, so there are lots of pictures of St Paul's Sq as an example. For a city the size of Chester a development similar to St Paul's Sq would be a good investment.
 
#117 ·
#118 ·
From the Daily Post -

Chester’s Rows shopping area in bid for Unesco World Heritage site status

Jul 8 2010 by John Sutton, Liverpool Daily Post
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A SHOPPING arcade which welcomed its first customers 800 years ago is on track to become a World Heritage Site.

Chester’s Rows are one of 38 sites nationwide put forward by the government to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for consideration.

If successful, the rows will join sites like Liverpool’s waterfront, Taj Mahal and Statue of Liberty as sites of world importance.

Cllr Richard Short, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive member for culture and recreation, said: “I am delighted that the Rows have been included – they are synonymous with Chester and known throughout the world.

“They rank among Britain’s best-known shopping malls.”
From here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk...co-world-heritage-site-status-92534-26808324/
 
#121 ·
I sincerely hope the Secretary of State approves this,I'm not confident I'll ever see this built but if it ever is it'll be World Class.I think it's already one of the top 10 Zoo's in the World anyway but this will be special.


Chester Zoo plans for major redevelopment approved

Sep 20 2010 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

AMBITIOUS plans by Chester Zoo for a major redevelopment of the tourist attraction were approved by the local council.

Planners voted nine to two in favour of the zoo’s Biodome building and a new hotel for the site in the Greenbelt land.

The recommendations from the Cheshire West and Chester Council strategic planning committee include 36 conditions and will now be sent to the Secretary of State for final approval.

The Biodome would be the largest single building of its kind in the world and Cllr Stuart Parker said: “We must see the bigger picture here as this is going to be fantastic for Chester and the bigger sub region. It certainly outweighs negative factors.”

Phase One of the works includes the Heart of Africa Biodome building, Heart of Africa entrance village, new road access from the A41 for visitors going into the zoo, a new entrance and an extension of the car park.

Outline proposals also give the go ahead, include a 150 bed hotel near the zoo’s existing entrance, new underwater exhibit buildings, new animal paddocks and gardens.
 
#122 ·
A few things have made the news here in Chester recently.

Taken from Chester Chronicle.

The Chronicle Wheel starts to take shape on Chester skyline
Nov 4 2010 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER’S very own version of the London Eye began to dominate the skyline above Chester Crown Court this week.
And it will open to the public on November 11 – the same day as the Christmas lights switch-on – alongside attractions including ice skating, a Victorian shopping village, Santa’s grotto, children’s rides and a licensed bar selling mulled wine.
Priced at £6 for adults and £4 for children, The Chronicle Wheel will offer breath-taking views along the River Dee, the hills of Wales, the city’s skyscape and out onto the Cheshire plains.
Rita Waters, chief executive of Chester Renaissance, who brought the wheel to the city, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Chester Chronicle to the party. This further strengthens the excellent relationship we have enjoyed over the summer with Chestival and Rhino Mania.
“We look forward to the continued support of the significant newspaper in the city helping to make Chester and Christmas a success.”
In the heart of the Winter Wonderland will be a Victorian-style shopping village featuring more than 30 black and white timber clad shops selling Christmas-related food, drink and craft goods.
Traders interested in having a stall are asked to email Nick Vass: n.vass@mellorsgroup.co.uk
Chester Zoo will also be running joint promotions this Christmas with anyone attending the Winter Wonderland offered discounted tickets for the zoo.
It is anticipated the Winter Wonderland, running from November 11 until January 3, will attract thousands of extra visitors to Chester, injecting £20m into the local economy and helping to put the city on the map.
For more details about how to enjoy a Magical Christmas in Chester, visit: www.chestermagic.co.uk
I drove past it last night and it looks truly spectacular as you drive up St. Martins Way towards the crown courts. Looking in the right direction you can see it for miles. I was a good few miles away in Broughton later and I could still see it. I must admit when I first heard the plans I thought it was going to be another hair-brain idea formulated to temporarily appease people but alas, I've been proven wrong.

Odeon & Little Roodee are revealed as preferred sites for multi-million pound Chester theatre
Oct 28 2010 By Chronicle Reporter

CHESTER’S much-loved Odeon building could be transformed into a £38m state-of-the-art theatre complex – and cinema.
The currently empty listed building in Northgate Street has emerged as the surprise option after two preferred sites were unveiled by Cheshire West & Chester Council yesterday.
The second is the long-anticipated proposal to create a new arts complex at the Little Roodee car park on the banks of the River Dee.
The two options – each offering a minimum 800 seat venue – will go before Cheshire West & Chester Council’s Executive on Wednesday night.
If members agree these are the correct options to explore, officers will be asked to produce detailed reports on both sites, including how they will actually be paid for.
Vote for your preferred option here
Their reports are due to go back to councillors early next year so a final decision can be made on which option to pursue.
A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of 2011 with the hope of work starting on the chosen site in 2012.
The cost of the Little Roodee development is estimated at £50m while the Odeon option is expected to cost around £38.
During a four month feasibility study, a team of experts, led by the Manchester-based Locum Consulting, examined all aspects of Chester theatre vision, including more than 20 different sites.
Locum advocates a medium scale theatre offering an 800-seat auditorium, capable of scaling down to 450 for smaller audience productions, plus a flexible studio theatre seating around 200.
Dependent on its chosen location, the building could have the potential for cinema facilities and a restaurant, plus a theatre bar/café.
The study advocates development of a theatre offering ‘mixed programming’ – both shows brought in from a variety of sources and in-house productions.
Site option A is the council-owned Little Roodee car park providing an attractive landscape, for a ‘landmark building’, adding to the attractions of the riverfront and supporting the development of the Lower Bridge Street and Castle area.
All-inclusive costs are estimated at around £50m – including around £11m for car parking, specialist building design complement its historic surroundings and possible anti-flood measures.
Site Option B is the Odeon Theatre – currently privately owned by the Brook Group – including 49 Northgate Street and Folliot House, now included within the parameters of the proposed Northgate Development.
A prominent location next to the main civic space on the boundary between the main shopping core and leisure area, the Odeon, it is suggested, would provide an excellent fit with proposed improvements to the Cathedral Quarter and support the economy of Northgate Street and the city centre.
Overall costing for the conversion of the Odeon, which currently has 1,680 seats and which could also include some cinema provision, is estimated at £38m.
Individual ratings of these sites is reported as being ‘essentially much the same’ but a third site – Gorse Stacks – was said to significantly behind and the Executive is recommended not to pursue the option.
Councillor Richard Short, Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, said: "We have always contended that the city desperately needed an iconic theatre to fill a major gap in its cultural offer.
"We are about to take a major step towards both achieving that dream and also to providing a major boost to the city’s economic regeneration."
If the study recommendations are accepted, officers will produce detailed reports on both options – everything from funding and procurement strategies to traffic surveys – to aid members’ deliberations.
Cheshire West and Chester also intends to engage the public and key stakeholders in development of the theatre’s final design brief and programme.
Consultants also believe that Chester – with its good rail service – would provide an ‘enticing location’ to help meet a national demand for larger conference facilities.
And they recommend a flexible ‘events venue’ for 1,000 – 1,200 delegates that could also stage large concerts and exhibitions.
The Little Roodee, either as a stand alone theatre or co-located theatre and convention centre and the Odeon, as a stand alone theatre or convention centre are both suggested as possible sites.
Very exciting news for the city. If I had my way though, and of course the funds, I would LOVE to see both built. The Odeon could be the smaller theatre and "intimate" venue for music events and the Roodee site would be the convention centre with opportunity for larger music acts. I definitely think Chester could sustain a 5,000 capacity arena for events and move the Cheshire Jets into here. Anyway, the two potential designs are below.



John Lewis at Home announces new store based on Sealand Road, Chester
Nov 4 2010 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle
JOHN Lewis has announced it will open a John Lewis At Home shop in Chester next autumn – the first in the North of England.
The retailer will boost local employment with the creation of about 200 jobs and will invest £7m in the store, which will be located on Land Securities’ Greyhound Retail Park.
The shop will feature 38,000sq ft of selling space and focus exclusively on furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical and home technology.
The John Lewis At Home concept successfully launched in Poole last October and an additional three shops will be open by the end of 2010, in Croydon, Swindon and Tunbridge Wells.
Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing a John Lewis At Home shop to Chester, which is a great fit for us in terms of location and catchment, and gives shoppers more convenient access to a John Lewis.
“We’ve been keen on opening in Chester for some time and we look forward to giving local people a broader shopping offer.”
John Lewis has developed the new format in direct response to customer requests for greater convenience and ease of access, particularly for people living more than a 40-minute drive time from an existing John Lewis department store.
Head of format development Tim Harrison said: “Both John Lewis At Home in Poole and Croydon have demonstrated that a smaller format works and the shops have been very well received by customers for their convenience and ease.
“Swindon shoppers were thrilled with our shop when it opened last week.
“We look forward to providing Chester shoppers with our differentiated service, inspiring products and great value.”
Computer terminals in the branch will allow shoppers to browse a wider John Lewis assortment.
Land Securities managing director for retail Richard Akers said: “We are really pleased to help bring John Lewis to Chester with its At Home shop.
“It has been a real team effort with John Lewis to make this announcement today and our experience of the impact John Lewis At Home will have is that it will create jobs, attract more customers and boost overall trade at the Greyhound Retail Park.”
John Lewis was represented by Cushman & Wakefield and Ashworths Chartered Surveyors.
Quite a good addition to the city if you ask me and again another company wishing to add a Chester store to their portfolio, along with Tesco who opened one of the first Tesco Home stores in the North, Waitrose who plan to build a new store in Boughton and slightly futher afield in Ellesmere Port, Marks & Spencer are currently building their largest store outside of London.
 
#123 ·
Alan, it would be great to get both schemes for a theatre in Chester but my money would be on the Odeon site because it is in an area of the city that desperately needs some investment. The roodee is a splendid location but on the periphery of the city as was the dropped third option at Gorse Stacks.
I read in the chronicle web pages that they are looking to drop the bus station in any re-composed Northgate scheme as its not seen as necessary and with also proposing a theatre at the northern end of the development area it would help in drawing people up Northgate street and filtering into any future developments built between this point and the existing main shopping area (Eastgate Street/Cross)
 
#125 ·
I totally agree, the Odeon site is in need of much investment and the whole project would revitalise that end of the city. The thing is if you go towards Northgate Street on a Saturday there are plenty of people around so a flagship development there would be well used no doubt about it. Apparently the Racecourse management are interested in developing an arena there so the city may get both yet. If a compromise can be found with the Northgate development things could finally start moving.
 
#124 ·
The Odeon would be my preferred option; it's a beautiful building and, to be honest, what else can you do with it? If it doesn't become a theatre space it'll either be left to rot (like the ABC in Liverpool) or it'll end up as a nightclub, which'd do Town Hall Square no favours.

I'm surprised the Roodee is a potential development site - the Council only just redeveloped the Coach Parking facilities. Plus I'd have said it was a bad spot for the a tourist attraction, right next to the Grosvenor Bridge. Something needs to be done with Gorse Stacks, though.
 
#134 · (Edited)
Chester councillors decide to buy Odeon building
Jul 29 2011
by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

COUNCILLORS have given the green light to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s plans to buy the former Odeon cinema in Chester.
Members of all parties voted unanimously in favour of the move at Thursday’s four hour marathon meeting of the full council.
Council officers have been instructed to close the deal on the flagship building – subject to the necessary due diligence measures – with the Odeon’s Barnsley-based owners, The Brook Group.
The decision was taken in a private session because of regulations concerning commercial confidentiality.
Later Council Leader Mike Jones said: “The Odeon’s position in the Chester city centre means that the building will have an important role in the development of the all-important One City Plan.
“Our officers will now be instructed to finalise the arrangements with the Brook Group.”
Last night’s decision follows a recent meeting between Brook Group representatives, CWAC Chief Executive Steve Robinson and the Council’s Head of Facilities and Asset Management, Noel O’Neill.

Said Mr Jason Brook, Chief Executive of The Brook Group: “Recently I made it clear that we wanted to work with the local authority on future plans for the Odeon. Hopefully, this new development will speed up the realisation of our mutual aspirations for the building.
“We look forward to completing arrangements with the Council in the near future.”
Opposition Leader, Councillor Derek Bateman maintained that members support for the decision to buy reflected the strength of feeling amongst the Chester public to see the Odeon again play its part in the cultural life of the city.
The Art Deco, Grade II listed building in Northgate Street, is one of two preferred sites for Chester’s proposed new theatre – but feasibility studies continue and no final decision has yet been taken.
A four-month feasibility study identified The little Roodee as the other potential site for the city’s multi-million pound flagship.
Good news for the Bay Area's second city :)

Cheshire West and Chester awarded Fairtrade Borough status
by Roy McEvoy. Published Wed 03 Aug 2011 16:15

Cheshire West and Chester has been granted Fairtrade Borough status by the Fairtrade Foundation.

The accolade recognises the efforts of the Cheshire West and Chester Council Fairtrade Steering group, 111 schools and educational establishments, 101 faith organisations, 63 retailers, 52 caterers, 48 community groups, 17 workplaces, 1 flagship employer (Cheshire Constabulary), and Cheshire West and Chester Council, who have all come together to support, promote and serve Fairtrade products.

Cheshire West and Chester Council submitted an application to the Fairtrade Foundation with evidence of the activities undertaken towards achieving the required five goals.

They were:

1. The passing of a resolution at full Council committing the authority to support Fairtrade and using Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings. It also established a role for a Member Champion for Fairtrade, which is currently held by Councillor Julia Tickridge.

2. Help to support local businesses selling and promoting Fairtrade products and a Fairtrade Directory for Cheshire West and Chester was produced.

3. The local community, workplaces, schools and faith organisations were supported and encouraged to use Fairtrade products. Due to the large population of the Borough a Flagship Fairtrade employer also needed to be recruited. Cheshire Constabulary stepped into this role, with its Catering provider - Catering Academy Ltd and their suppliers Peros – undertaking a range of promotions and awareness raising events to boost the profile of its Fairtrade range.

4. Numerous events have been organised to raise the profile of Fairtrade across the Borough including a Fairtrade Tea Dance, Fairtrade Wine Tasting and the colourful Fairtrade Bunting event that attempted to encircle the ancient walls of the City of Chester – the worlds first Fairtrade city – with hand designed bunting, which was supported by more than 100 community and educational groups from across the Borough.

5. The establishment of a Steering group to co-ordinate and collect the evidence of all the initiatives undertaken.

Councillor Julia Tickridge, Member Champion for Fairtrade, said: “I am delighted that the enthusiasm and dedication of all the supporters within workplaces, schools and community groups has been deservedly recognised by the Fairtrade Foundation.

“It is important to remember that these activities have directly benefited some of the world’s poorest farmers and workers through increasing awareness and sales of Fairtrade in the area.

“Fairtrade Borough status provides an invaluable platform for the Council to further the principles and values which underpin the ethos of Fairtrade.”

The steering group is now arranging a number of celebration activities to take place across the borough to thank the wide range of organisations that have helped raise awareness and support the principles of Fairtrade.

It is also beginning to look ahead to plan further Fairtrade events because Fairtrade Status is renewed every 2 years.

For more information please contact climatechange@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or look to our webpages at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/fairtrade.
 
#135 ·
I don't normally post on the Liverpool threads, but I go to Chester University and the 8 storey tower has been recladded over summer. Gotta say it looks real smart, they've really done a good job of it. I'll try and snap some pictures sometime maybe! - It definately resembles the Arts Tower in Sheffield now, the same kind of glass and cladding has been applied (pic below).

 
#137 ·
I went for the first time in June, I quite enjoyed it.

Someone I used to date liked the Chester night life but did agree with what you've said above, it gets rough. A lot of the towns/cities around Liverpool seems quite rough at night in my opinion, like Southport. Liverpool City Centre seems far safer.
 
#138 ·
There were numpties. They were many.

I guess it is the old thing that in a smaller town, small-time blurts feel more confident in throwing their weight around. You're right about Southport as well. Yikes!

I have heard recently that the more clued up young Sandgrounders have taken to getting the last Merseyrail to Liverpool of a weekday evening, going clubbing and then catching the first train back the following morning.

There must be a few nicer and quieter older pubs in Chester but within the four walls, navigating the streets back to he train station involved dodging numerous numpty gangs of a sort that doesn't seem to be at large in Liverpool city centre for whatever reasons.

The Brewery Tap on Lower Bridge street was an excellent pub to be fair and further down the road, going over the river into Handbridge seem to escape the numpties who cannot cross water and are contained by the city walls, leading to another pleasant pub that was however pretty quiet.
 
#142 ·
Much of my family live in Chester. Many cestrians of all ages don't go out in the centre after a certain hour. If they want a drink and somebody is willing to drive they head to some of the lovely pubs you will find around the city (a few examples being the Grosvenor Arms Pulford, Grosvenor Arms Aldford, The Pheasant Inn at Burwardsley, the Dysart Arms in Bunbury, as well as pubs in the suburbs - Handbridge, Boughton, Hoole, up the Wirral or into North Wales).
Chester doesn't have and never will have the clubland that say Liverpool or Manchester have, unfortunately some want to generate the belief that it is on a par. The problem is that in a small dark historical town at night without the necessary resources to manage drinkers is a a nightmare, hence Chester's Jekyll and Hyde image of sleepy historic town by day and rowdy and dangerous by night.
The key issue and some other small historic towns in England have to contend with is whether they have the resources to provide an alternative to cheap alcohol served in cheap clubs to large numbers of people.
The recent proposals put forward to CW&C Council by the International Urban Land Institute indicate that Chester should try to go up-market and rather than attract the stag and hen market culture it should be going for less and richer visitor numbers. To do this somethings got to give...
 
#149 ·
I must say that as a student currently studying at the uni, I find Chester anything but rowdy and dangerous. I should think most of the student population there agrees with me. The streets are largely very quiet in comparison to rowdy Liverpool or even rowdier Manchester! I've heard far more stories about things happening in Liverpool than I have Chester. Far, far more.
 
#144 ·
Hoole is a traditional suburb of terraced streets. Its a few years since I walked down Faulkner Street in the heart of Hoole but there used to be 3 Pubs within a few yards of each other (Faulkner Arms, Bromfield Arms and the Royal Oak).
 
#147 ·
Waitrose unveils vision for supermarket and hotel in Chester

Oct 6 2011 Chester Chronicle

PLANS will be unveiled next week for a £40m Waitrose supermarket and 120-bedroomed hotel near Chester city centre that will create more than 400 jobs.

Waitrose aims to redevelop Chester’s Boughton Retail Centre and hopes to acquire the adjacent former St Paul’s School for its scheme.

The plans will be on display at the centre next Thursday and Friday for the public to have a look in advance of a planning application being lodged.

Meanwhile, the company will open its Little Waitrose convenience store in Foregate Street next Thursday, October 13.




Waitrose’s Boughton plans are for:

A 29,800sq ft Waitrose supermarket – its largest in Cheshire.

A 120 bedroomed hotel (three-four star).

New pedestrian bridge over the canal to link in to the proposed Chester Business Quarter.

A 320-space car park.

Other local shops and food/drink establishments.

The scheme will need a new access junction off Boughton for shoppers, deliveries and hotel guests.

It will also include significant improvement to the public realm, with new seating, planting and better connection to the canal.

Nigel Keen, Waitrose director of development, said: “Our proposals would deliver major improvements to both the shopping and hotel offer that Chester has and bring these forward in a well-designed, high-quality development, representative of the site’s gateway location to the city.

“The Boughton centre unfortunately has not worked in its current form and it now needs redevelopment and investment to create a vibrant and successful area of the city.

“We hope lots of people come along and see the plans and let us know what they think.”
 
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