Have your say on the next phase of the Northgate regeneration project, marking the first step in delivering a key priority of the Chester One City Plan

ION Developments and the council are holding a drop in event, to provide the opportunity to view the emerging proposals, speak to the project team and share feedback. The events will be held over two days at the former Barclays Bank building next to Chester Cathedral, 30 St. Werburgh Street, from 2pm until 5pm on Monday 11 May; and from 2pm until 7pm on Tuesday 12 May. A mini-exhibition on the plans will also tour other venues in the city, see social media for details.

The next phase of the Northgate development aims to deliver a new residential community of more than 400 sustainable homes, including affordable housing, to help repopulate the heart of the historic city. Alongside new homes, the scheme includes public realm and supporting infrastructure, designed to boost economic growth and accessibility to attract investment and increase footfall. The masterplan will look to the future, while restoring and honouring the city’s historical street patterns to create an inclusive community inspired by Chester’s heritage,

The proposed scheme will allow the Town Hall building to be unwrapped and appreciated again, no longer attached to and overshadowed by the former Forum Shopping Centre and Council offices. The evolving masterplan also includes initial proposals for a new cultural building opening onto Town Hall Square that could enhance current provision in the city and support uses such as gallery and performance spaces, community spaces and exhibitions celebrating Chester’s unique history.

The proposals seek to re-purpose existing buildings where possible, while removing those at the end of their life, to open up a forgotten quarter of the city and maximise connections to Northgate’s retail and leisure offer, including Chester Market, Storyhouse, restaurants, Picturehouse Cinema, Chester Cathedral, Watergate Street and Town Hall Square.

This marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation with the community, and further engagement on more detailed proposals will happen before a formal planning application is submitted. All views will be considered helping to shape a development that reflects Chester’s heritage while meeting the needs of future generations.

Further details of the engagement process and an online feedback form can be found at www.chesternorthgate2.co.uk The closing date for comments is 19 June 2026