Northgate Development

So, last week, there I was walking past the Town Hall on my way to a nearby sherbet factory and I stopped to have a quick look at the latest situation regarding the new Northgate Development. And fair do’s it seems to be moving along a treat. Not long now for the opening of the much talked about and often much maligned city centre focal point. And as we know living in Chester, it will become one of many focal points, to be added to so many other existing focal points.

And haven’t we waited a long time for this to happen. Of course Covid hasn’t helped. But that is the case for so many other businesses and ventures. All in all, it has been an amazing 20 years in the making. No doubt then there will be many locals looking forward to the opening with a mixture of excitement and, possibly, apprehension.

Over the years I’ve spoken to many who have questioned why it was needed at all. The argument given was that what we already had was OK as it was. If you remember, more specifically, the old set up of the Gateway Theatre, The Odeon cinema, the Library and the Market with the Forum acting as a thoroughfare to both the Market and the Gateway, was very popular. The old adage has been quoted, “why fix something that wasn’t broken.” And, as it has taken so long to complete, more questions have been raised along the way.

Northgate Development

But to quote a well used phrase (and one I don’t particularly like as it happens), presently “it is what it is.” What I think that means in a more expansive way, and as we are so close, let’s embrace the new venture and look forward to a new dawning. Forget the politics and the wobbles along the way for now. Let’s have a look at what we will soon be able to enjoy in the heart of our beautiful city. Oh, I stand corrected. The most beautiful city in the world. What, you don’t believe me? It isn’t me just saying that. Have a read of this article HERE to see what I mean.

Anyway, back more specifically to talking about the Northgate Development. Let’s have a brief look at it in a bit more detail.

Northgate Development – A Brief Summary Of What We’re Getting

As already mentioned above, all in all, it has been 20 years in the making. From the initial planning, delays, false starts, the pandemic, right through to the actual development stage which began in July 2020.

There are some who believe that the Northgate Development, or should I say Chester Northgate, is just a new shopping centre. But it is more than that. Much more than that. Chester Northgate is a “development of open streets, parades and plazas that will integrate seamlessly with the surrounding parts of Chester City Centre, including“: (Source – Chester Northgate website – https://chesternorthgate.com/).

More specifically and in a nutshell, these are some of the features to look forward to:

A six-screen cinema – Picturehouse
Cafés, bars and restaurants
A new, indoor market, see more at www.newchester.market
New parking and cycle hub
Office spaces

As could be seen when walking past, the development is very close to completion. The opening is only a few weeks away now as it is due to open in the autumn. The hope is that it will build on the success of Storyhouse and complement the existing businesses on Northgate Street. Furthermore, the front of the old library is to be transformed into the new Coachworks Arcade and will provide an impressive arched entrance into the development, which will also be accessible from Hunter Street and Princess Street.

The scheme will also create a new public Exchange Square for the city, linking the new market hall, Storyhouse and the Town Hall.

More Information

Need a quick overview? If so, then have a look at this link – a Northgate Fast Facts page that can be found on the Chester Northgate website.

There’s plenty more to be found on their website – including a couple of informative, short videos. Have good look around the website.

If you are looking forward to the grand opening, then not long to wait now. I’m certainly looking forward to it. I’m old enough to remember the old set up, so as far as finally seeing the end result of its replacement is something well worth embracing.

Something not mentioned above is that it is no doubt hoped that the new project will see an increase in city centre visitors. An increase in footfall can only be good news. Not only for the new Northgate Development but also for the existing businesses in Chester city centre. After the troubled times of these last few years it would be great to see our Chester businesses really prosper and enjoy the successes their hard work and perseverance deserves.

Who knows, an upsurge in city centre fortunes may lead to other new ventures? Wouldn’t it be great to see Browns, the old BHS site and so many other empty buildings back open and flourishing. Watch this space!!

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Thanks for reading my latest blog post – Northgate Development -and thanks for visiting my Chester Lifestyle website. I very much appreciate it. To see all of my other blog posts on a variety of topics, then head on over to HERE.

In time, it remains to be seen if the new Northgate Development will be added to my Place To Visit page. I certainly hope so and I’m sure it will be.