Council to seek development partners for ambitious Chester and Northwich regeneration projects

The Council’s Cabinet will be asked to give the go ahead to begin the process of appointing a development partner for its plans for the next phase of Chester Northgate and Weaver Square in Northwich at the Cabinet meeting of 31 July.

Both projects offer a once in a generation opportunity to create new residential communities and bring new life to dormant central areas of both Chester and Northwich.

The second phase for Chester Northgate would continue the transformation of the city’s core by increasing the number of homes in the city centre. Plans are for the development of new high-quality homes and improved connectivity of the site to the existing Northgate development and to the wider city centre. The development would also include high quality public realm plus associated uses to support the vitality and viability of the scheme.

The Northgate phase two area includes the former Forum shopping centre and offices, Hamilton House, Merchant House, Goldsmith House and former Gateway Theatre. Covering the size of almost three football pitches.

Bringing households back into central areas has several long-term benefits; they generate economic growth which will support businesses, provide sustainable city centre living and inclusivity of place. It is also extremely beneficial from an environmental perspective to house residents close to places of work, shops and entertainment.

As a vital part of the Northwich Development Framework, the proposal for Weaver Square is to replace empty shops and buildings at the end of their useful life, and deliver modern and affordable sustainable town centre living, as part of a 1.8-hectare mixed-use development with public realm and supporting infrastructure. Northwich Market is set to move to Barons Quay as part of the plans. It is hoped that the new community will support existing businesses, help to attract new investment, and give a welcome boost to the town centre and the evening economy.

If the recommendations are approved by Cabinet, the process to bring in development partners for Weaver Square and Chester Northgate will begin.

The procurement route will be a fully Public Contract Regulations compliant process which would aim to secure partners with a good track record in local authority partnering, development expertise and strong financial standing to form a long-term collaborative relationship with the Council to deliver the best outcome for the sites.

Designs will then be developed, taking on board the views of stakeholders. Securing a development partner will enable the Council to set the brief and work with the development partner to secure a high quality development.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“Cheshire West and Chester Council recognises that town and city centres need residential development to thrive and is seeking development partners to deliver high-quality placemaking through residential schemes in Chester and Northwich.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity for each community, and significant engagement with the public and other stakeholders has already taken place. The Council cannot deliver its vision alone and hopes to find the right development partner that can turn the aspirations of the people of Chester and Northwich into reality.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council has ambitious regeneration plans across the borough, with an aim to have a positive impact on our environment, heritage and culture. Through investments, the aim is to boost business, create jobs and increase skills, whilst delivering new housing, supporting digital connectivity, increasing inclusion, and enhancing pride in town and city centres. Working together with the public and private sectors, projects aim to grow footfall, increase spend and spread vitality across the borough, bringing underused spaces back to life and making communities exciting places to live, work, learn and visit.

Weaver Square and the second phase of Chester Northgate are the latest in various Council-led regeneration projects taking place across the Borough. The first phase of the Northgate development saw the completion of the hugely popular and award-winning new Chester Market, restaurants, cinema, car park and office accommodation. Work is also due to take place on the transformation of Ellesmere Port market hall with improved walking, wheeling and cycling links and bringing forward sites for new housing. The first phase of the Council’s £22.5 million regeneration of Winsford Town Centre is underway and is the biggest investment in the town centre shopping area since the 1960s.

For the latest updates on the Council’s regeneration plans for Weaver Square, visit:

For more information on the Chester Northgate development visit: