Council signs Pre-Development Agreements for Northwich and Chester redevelopments
The scheme will re-purpose existing buildings
A significant milestone in the regeneration of Weaver Square in Northwich and the next stage of the Northgate development in Chester city centre has been reached as Cheshire West and Chester Council has signed Pre-Development Agreements with VINCI UK Developments Limited, the Council’s preferred development partner.
The agreements set out the collaboration between the Council and VINCI UK Developments Ltd, who will deliver schemes in Northwich and Chester through a joint venture with ION Property Developments Ltd, procured through the Pagabo Developer-led Framework. This partnership brings together extensive experience in urban regeneration and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable development.
It enables VINCI and ION to work up a masterplan for both sites, and to develop a business plan to help unlock external funding and support delivery. These activities will collectively inform the future redevelopment of the sites, which are key parts of the Council’s long-term vision to revitalise Northwich town centre, as outlined in the Northwich Development Framework, and the next stage of the Chester Northgate development, which is a key part of the Chester One City Plan.
Both VINCI and ION are committed to enabling the co-production of the masterplans for the Weaver Square and Northgate sites and will work with the Council and its partners to ensure that the views of local communities are heard during the process that will commence in the new year.
The Weaver Square scheme aims to deliver an accessible residential-led community, featuring over 100 new high quality modern homes, alongside improved public spaces and infrastructure.
It will also support local economic growth by attracting investment, increasing footfall, and boosting the evening economy in key retail areas including Witton Street, High Street and Barons Quay.
The next phase of the Northgate development aims to create a new flagship residential community of over 400 new sustainable homes with a proportion of affordable homes alongside public spaces and supporting infrastructure to support economic growth by attracting investment and increasing footfall.
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 centred around Hamilton Place and maximise its proximity to the vibrant retail and leisure areas of Northgate, including Chester Market, restaurants, cinema - plus Storyhouse, Chester Cathedral, Watergate Street and Town Hall Square.
Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester Council Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “The Weaver Square and Northgate redevelopments are unique opportunities to create vibrant and sustainable residential-led neighbourhoods in the heart of Northwich and Chester.”
“Most importantly, they will transform tired buildings and deliver quality placemaking, creating spaces that future generations can be proud of. We are committed to working with VINCI and ION to co-produce a masterplan that reflects the aspirations of Northwich and Chester residents and businesses and will begin this process in the new year.”
A spokesperson for VINCI ION said: “We look forward to working with the Council and the community to develop our plans for both Weaver Square and Northgate, in both cases replacing the 1960s empty shops and buildings that are past their useful life with a range of new modern and sustainable homes that will be a major boost for both places, helping drive their future growth and success.”
For more information and updates on the Weaver Square project, please visit:
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/regeneration-of-west-cheshire/northwich-regeneration/weaver-square
For more information and updates on the Northgate project, please visit:
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/regeneration-of-west-cheshire/chester-regeneration