Chester

[romablue]

Interesting piece on the Cheshire West and Chester council's plans for the east side of Chester city centre:
http://www.cheshirewestandchester.go...ess_quart.aspx

[Babaloo]

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.

[romablue]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

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.

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.

[Howie_P]

Developers behind ambitious Chester retail scheme seek five-year extension to planning permission
Jun 3 2010 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

THE developer behind an ambitious scheme to redevelop a central part of Chester is seeking to extend the timescale of its planning permission by five years after the scheme was hit by the credit crunch.

The original Northgate Development – intended as Chester’s answer to Liverpool One – comprised 400,000 sq ft of retail space, including a new department store, shopping streets, market, and theatre.

But last year the developer ING and its partner, Land Securities, told Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) that the scheme could not go ahead in its current form due to the current economic climate.

It was expected the partnership would put forward new plans at around this time as its current planning consent expires at the end of the month.

Now it has said it wants a five-year extension to its planning permission, meaning it could be 2015 before work begins on the scheme – if at all.

CWAC’s strategic planning committee will consider the latest application in September.

Cllr Herbert Manley, the council’s executive member for Prosperity, said: “Talks are continuing amongst the partners and it is hoped to announce a way forward within a relatively short time.

“The application will ensure that the site continues to retain its retail protection and that the door of opportunity is kept open.

“It will also safeguard all the groundwork that has been done so far.”

Continues >>

[romablue]

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/ch...9067-26670469/

This would be quite an interesting development, particularly as Waitrose have little presence in the north and it is at the edge of the new area defined for development (see Post #101)

[Chris B]

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
Add a comment
Recommend

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/...2534-26808324/

[dmarney]

Does anyone know when the new travelodge will open?

[Borras_Hwfa]

Originally Posted by dmarney

Does anyone know when the new travelodge will open?

According to the Travelodge website, it opens on the 12th August.

[Paul D]

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.

[Alan Povey]

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.

[romablue]

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)

[jetsetwilly]

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.

[Alan Povey]

Originally Posted by romablue

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)

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.

[Alan Povey]

I went to the winter fair last Wednesday (17th) and got to experience the wheel. My advice would be wrap up warm, it's bloody freezing at the top. I've popped some pictures below.

[Scarecrow]

Have you seen that new ride on Chavasse park? I felt ill just driving past. It'll take at least five pints for me to brave that!

Is the wheel the same size as the one on Kongs Dick?

[tomo90]

Chester needs a big retail centre. Something to make it look like a city. I did not realise it was a city until I was 17. I know I sound stupid but it just looks like a town in my eyes.

[Chris J]

Originally Posted by Alan Povey

I went to the winter fair last Wednesday (17th) and got to experience the wheel. My advice would be wrap up warm, it's bloody freezing at the top. I've popped some pictures below.

I popped down there down on the 12th I was one of maybe 12 people there loads of pics to post watch the thread.
Yeah it was cold there....

[Alan Povey]

Originally Posted by tomo90

Chester needs a big retail centre. Something to make it look like a city. I did not realise it was a city until I was 17. I know I sound stupid but it just looks like a town in my eyes.

It should have by now, or at least be close to having one. The Northgate development has been on and off for about five years now and the whole site around where it should be built looks like Chernobyl. About 25% of the area earmarked for the re-development has been demolished and left in the form of a giant mound of earth. Currently the land that borders St. Martins Way is being turned into an open space and open air "arena" area which I guess suggests any form of mass development is a few years off.

[Chris J]

Poor pics, they were taken in fading light I had walked into town to grab
some pics of the Winter Ice Fair & decided to get the bus home spotted
this only managed to get 2 pics because bus was in....

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


It's taken 2 years to remedy this waste land. here is St Martins House being demolished
http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/...859912/detail/
.

[Alan Povey]

Originally Posted by Chris J

Poor pics, they were taken in fading light I had walked into town to grab
some pics of the Winter Ice Fair & decided to get the bus home spotted
this only managed to get 2 pics because bus was in....

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


It's taken 2 years to remedy this waste land. here is St Martins House being demolished
http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/...859912/detail/
.

It's all great that something is being done now, but who wants to sit eating their lunch next to bus exchange which is overlooked by a hideous 1960's market?