Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet have selected VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd as the Council’s preferred developer partner for Chester Northgate Future Phases following a procurement exercise earlier this year.

The next phase of development aims to create a new flagship residential community of over 400 new homes in Chester. The scheme will re-purpose existing buildings where possible and demolish any buildings at the end of their life to open up a forgotten quarter of the city centre making it easy to navigate around the area. In their place, will be modern, affordable and sustainable homes, with public spaces and supporting infrastructure.

The Chester Northgate Future Phases scheme is a key part of the Chester One City Plan, it is close to the city centre’s vibrant retail and leisure areas including Northgate Phase 1 (Chester Market, restaurants, cinema), Storyhouse, Chester Cathedral, Watergate Street and Town Hall Square.VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd are well established development partners with a strong track record working collaboratively with local authorities.

Andy Farrall, Chair of the Chester One City Plan Making Group said: “I welcome the news that a preferred development partner has now been selected for Northgate Future Phases; transforming the area to create a major, high quality mixed-use scheme in the heart of our city including much needed new homes. This has been a long held aspiration of the One City Plan and one of its priority regeneration projects. I look forward to seeing the plans emerge and positively contributing to the project.”

The combined portfolio for VINCI/ION includes award-winning regeneration projects that have transformed town and city centres across the Country. These schemes have been delivered in close partnership with local authorities, Homes England the NHS and other public sector institutions, demonstrating their ability to create bespoke solutions that reflect local priorities and unlock economic, social, and environmental value.VINCI UK Developments provides strategic leadership, financial credibility, and delivery assurance, drawing on best practices from VINCI’s global developments. ION contributes in-depth knowledge of local regeneration, stakeholder engagement, and public funding, along with expertise in urban design and development delivery.

A spokesperson for VINCI ION said:“Chester Northgate has achieved enormous progress in recent years, with developments such as Storyhouse and Northgate Market bringing a renewed impetus to this corner of the city centre. “The next phase of the scheme is a chance to carry forward that momentum and create a new city garden neighbourhood which is inspired by Chester’s past and reshapes its future for residents and visitors alike.

“VINCI ION have worked in the area and across the UK for many years and we are excited to work alongside Cheshire West & Chester Council to deliver a range of new homes and shape a truly transformational project.”

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “The first phase of the Northgate development has been a huge success, creating a new destination and attracting huge visitor numbers. The future phases of Northgate represent an equally ambitious project, which seeks to transform a forgotten part of the city centre into a vibrant community.

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine buildings in a space that is hard to navigate and create a sustainable residential-led neighbourhood in the heart of Chester, with a mix of tenures that puts quality placemaking first.

“The Council cannot deliver this vision alone, and we look forward to a collaborative and productive relationship with VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd to help us to realise the ambitions of Chester residents and visitors. VINCI and ION will work with the community to co-produce a masterplan, putting the aspirations of local people at the centre of the new development.”

Speaking in support , city centre Cllr Katrina Kerr commented :

“I was Chair of Chester Bid during lockdown and if anyone had told me when it ended that Chester would be the thriving city is today, I’m not sure I would have believed them. Lockdown had been a disaster for business and a city such as Chester where tourism and hospitality are important economic drivers had experienced some dark days.

“But actually, I shouldn’t have worried – the city rebounded. A new generation of entrepreneurs have invested in the city giving rise to businesses such as Stile Napolitano which is officially the 13th best pizza place in the world. Existing businesses innovated: Storyhouse opened a studio for aspiring young creatives and Grosvenor Hart converted 29 houses specifically for young people to have their own place and allowed a bar on the roof of their car park. The racecourse has brought forward an exciting new vision for their business and Chester Market has morphed from a grotty unloved space into a great place to meet your mates. Plus, the city continues to win accolades such as friendliest city, prettiest city and on Monday night 70 journalists were at the Town Hall to find out why. And as they say, money follows excellence, so later this year Harrods Beauty will be opening, Metro Bank opened last week and IKEA is coming soon. However, the no 1 promise in my 2023 ward manifesto was “more people living in the city” because without that and the 24/7 vibe that brings, the city can’t reach its true potential. Which is why I’m here today to welcome the selection of a potential partner who will develop a new housing offer in the city which I hope will soon develop into a great neighbourhood with green space, rooftop views, play spaces, street level commerce and walkable services and all the benefits that will bring. And not only that, the development of Northgate 2 will work in harmony with Chester’s past respecting the original street layout our Roman ancestors laid down and exposing and showcasing even more of our historic fabric than at present.”