Constuction begins at office development in Chester’s new £100 million business quarter

Construction work has started on One City Place, a six-storey office development at the heart of Chester’s new £100 million Central Business Quarter.

The 70,000 sq ft of office space is being developed speculatively by Muse Developments and represents the first of seven office buildings, marking one of Chester’s most significant business developments in the city centre in recent years.

Work will also start in the next couple of months on remodelling part of the Grade II* listed Chester Railway Station building and former rail car park to create a new landscaped attractive public realm area and gateway from the station into the Central Business Quarter.

Phil Mayall, development director at Muse said: “Starting on site at City Place marks an important chapter in the new Central Business Quarter which will play a major role in the renaissance of Chester’s commercial offering.

“As an integral part of the business quarter, City Place will help to drive economic growth, bring new businesses and jobs into the city and set new standards for first class, sustainable business space.”

Eric Langton, chairman of Chester Renaissance, said: “This is a hugely important development. To attract businesses offering first class jobs and opportunities, Chester has to provide quality office accommodation in a convenient location and attractive environment.

“One City Place, as part of the first phase of the Central Business Quarter, ticks all the boxes.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader, Councillor Mike Jones said: “This new development will help to shape the future of Chester’s business landscape and provide new opportunities for companies within the city and further afield. It is fantastic to see work starting on site on the first office space.”

Councillor Samantha Dixon, shadow spokesperson for Growth and Prosperity at Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I welcome anything which will bring jobs to the city and help to drive the future growth of Chester. One City Place is in a sustainable location within close proximity to Chester Railway Station so also offers excellent transport links.”

By 2028, it is planned that Chester’s Central Business Quarter, as part of the wider One City Plan, will offer a total of 440,000 square feet of state-of-the art office space and public realm creating around 3,500 jobs.

The whole scheme includes 200 homes, restaurants and leisure facilities and car parking for the station, offices and residents. It will also include the redevelopment of the former Leadworks and Shot Tower for residential use by Neptune Developments and the transformation of the Boughton Retail Centre to create a new Waitrose store and associated retail units.

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