Historic building to be turned into flats

A historic former office building in Chester will be turned into 19 flats after the project was granted planning consent by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

PWA Planning gained approval on behalf of MJW Group for the conversion of the Grade II listed property at Newgate Street, as well as adding an extension to the rear.

The development of one-bedroom apartments will bring the vacant property, originally built as townhouses but later used as legal offices, back into use while retaining its historic features.

Twelve of the apartments will be within the three-storey main building with a further seven-units in the extension which will also include a reception area and mail room for residents.

The extension has been designed by architects FWP.

Daniel Hughes, associate at PWA Planning, said: “It’s always great to see vacant buildings being brought back into use, especially when it’s a period property that will benefit from significant new investment.

“This is a high-quality city-living development that respects the heritage of the buildings and the historic location within Chester’s city walls.”

Max Williams, director of MJW Group, said: “We specialise in breathing new life into neglected period buildings.

“Our apartments in Chester are in a great location and will bring something different to the city’s accommodation offering while safeguarding the future of this important heritage property.”

Next to the Plumbers Arms pub and Grosvenor shopping centre and car park, the property has been empty for over 10 years.

MJW Group has already developed several successful apartment and aparthotel schemes across the North West, including schemes in Preston and Liverpool.