Transformative scheme to bring new apartments and eatery to Chester

Chester’s residential and dining offer could be in for a boost with newly submitted plans proposing a mixed-use scheme on the edge of the city’s Northgate development.

Acting on behalf of investment management firm Brotherton Real Estate, surveying and planning practice Cassidy + Ashton is seeking to enhance buildings 14-20 on Watergate Street.

The plans include a new food and beverage unit to be built at the rear of the site, which is currently home to supermarket Sainsbury’s, coffee chain Costa and fashion retailer Reiss.

Also included in the scheme is a proposed extension to the property, adding an additional storey to house 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent.

Cassidy + Ashton’s chartered town planner, Guy Evans, said: “As a Chester-based company that has followed the proposals for the Northgate scheme over a number of years, we understand the need to attract people to live, work and spend their leisure time within the city.

“The mix of retail, food and beverage outlets and residential accommodation in the proposals we have submitted addresses those objectives while refreshing an existing building to maximise the potential of its location.”

Brotherton Real Estate’s Philip Kennedy said Cassidy + Ashton’s expertise and local knowledge was “invaluable” in developing the plans.

Speaking further, he said the firm’s help ensured the scheme “complements wider plans for the redevelopment of Chester city centre and the needs of local residents and businesses.”

Philip added: “We look forward to progressing our proposals in due course.”