News

Muse unveils Chester regeneration

News

Daniel Cunningham

05 August 2011

Offices, Retail

Cheshire, North West

The site, off City Road, and close to the city’s main railway station, has been identified by Cheshire West and Chester Council as the location for a central business district.

Muse plans to demolish the existing Premier House building on the site to make way for the first phase of its scheme, which will feature two six-storey BREEAM excellent-rated grade A office buildings totalling 150,000 sq ft. The scheme will alsop include public realm which will link it with the station and the Shropshire Union canal.

A planning application will be submitted early next year, with construction expected to start by 2013. When complete, the CBD will comprise more than 500,000 sq ft of offices and associated ground-floor uses.

Phil Mayall, senior development surveyor for Muse Developments, said: “We have worked closely with Lloyds to ensure that the new CBD will complement its campus while creating an exciting new business destination for the city of Chester. We feel that the location, with its strong transport links, amenities and close proximity to the historic Chester city centre, will prove attractive to businesses looking for modern, sustainable premises.”

Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This is excellent news and demonstrates a substantial act of faith in the council’s vision for the future of Chester.”

Simon Reynolds, director with GVA, which advised Muse, added: “This an exciting opportunity which will enable Chester city centre to compete with other key regional centres such as Liverpool and Manchester in attracting inward investment and a wide range of blue-chip occupiers into the city.”

daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com

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Greater Manchester-based Muse Developments is close to buying a 3.5-acre development site in the heart of Chester from Lloyds Banking Group, on which it plans to kickstart the creation of a commercial hub for the historic city. The site, off City Road, and close to the city’s main railway station, has been identified by Cheshire West and Chester Council as the location for a central business district. Muse plans to demolish the existing Premier House building on the site to make way for the first phase of its scheme, which will feature two six-storey BREEAM excellent-rated grade A office buildings totalling 150,000 sq ft. The scheme will alsop include public realm which will link it with the station and the Shropshire Union canal. A planning application will be submitted early next year, with construction expected to start by 2013. When complete, the CBD will comprise more than 500,000 sq ft of offices and associated ground-floor uses. Phil Mayall, senior development surveyor for Muse Developments, said: “We have worked closely with Lloyds to ensure that the new CBD will complement its campus while creating an exciting new business destination for the city of Chester. We feel that the location, with its strong transport links, amenities and close proximity to the historic Chester city centre, will prove attractive to businesses looking for modern, sustainable premises.” Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This is excellent news and demonstrates a substantial act of faith in the council’s vision for the future of Chester.” Simon Reynolds, director with GVA, which advised Muse, added: “This an exciting opportunity which will enable Chester city centre to compete with other key regional centres such as Liverpool and Manchester in attracting inward investment and a wide range of blue-chip occupiers into the city.” daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com To access all EGi news stories and commercial property data sign up for a free trial today, or visit the subscription options page to find out more.