A meeting at Chester Town Hall for invited city stakeholders allowed a first look at the vision by Northgate phase 2 developers . VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd were selected as the development partner for the second phase of the development earlier this year, with the goal of transforming the former Market, Forum , Car Park and surrounding buildings into a new part of Chester with 400 homes.
VINCI ION specialise in mixed use regeneration , stressing that they are not speculative housing developers, instead focused on working with stakeholders to deliver schemes appropriate for each city they work in. Their development brief is to create :
A flagship residential community( minimum 400 homes) in the heart of Chester with high quality contemporary design and close alignment with the One City Plan.
They said that “Our vision for the future of Northgate is rooted in Chester’s character and ambition. A living breathing addition to Chester’s story. An inclusive sustainable place inspired by heritage informed and shaped by community and delivered with clarity and care. “ They also aim to “introduce other uses which will enhance the city experience for both local people and visitors, supporting existing businesses and attractions”
They stressed that no plans have been made yet and that there will be a series of engagements to inform and refine the proposals ahead of finalising a proof of concept. Engagement with the wider community in 2026 will focus on: place design including uses, landscape design, social value, and place safety.
The research driven design will focus on Chester’s unique and vibrant nature and will offer inter generational living, fit for purpose and futureproofed. “Northgate will feel authentically Chester” and will draw from “Roman geometry, medieval intimacy and Victorian flair, to create a masterplan of reinstated lanes, yards and mews”. The designs will not be a black and white pastiche of the past, but an evolution rooted in our history. The development will be a “masterplan for people” creating homes and walkable streets in an area which is currently largely an avoided wasteland.
Some details confirmed include the demolition of Hamilton House and the Forum.
The funding of the scheme is as follows:
- Pre-development Funding : VINCI ION will fun their own internal costs and all external design fees to take the project forward to establish viability and complete the Proof of Concept.
- Development Funding; VINCI ION will secure funding for the project by developing and optimising the funding strategy and curating the right institutional and RP funders that share our ambitions.
- Grant Funding : VINCI/ION will work with the Council to develop a business case for external support to ensure quality, sustainability and viability.
VINCI stated they they have the relationships, experience and detailed knowledge required to secure the required funding. They recently secured £52 million for a scheme working with another council, from Homes England and a Combined Authority for a 620 home scheme.
The developers envisage that the scheme will provide a mix of tenures- and is likely to include phases/buildings funded by institutional investors, Housing Associations and Corporate Landlords. The homes are expected to be available as open market rent. affordable rent, shared ownership with limited outright ownership. The scope for worker/ post graduate accommodation will also be explored.
The projected timeline for the scheme following consultation will lead to a planning submission in 2027, demolition in 2028 and the beginning of initial construction in 2029.
With public consultation set to take place in 2026, Andy Farrall of the One City Plan said the scheme would offer “urban healing” He said that “It’s not about black and white buildings. This scheme is about today and tomorrow, not the past. We’ll get an honest idea about what we want from the scheme”
Further details will be released next year.
The Chester blog 