Hotel developer breaks ground in Chester

Castlebridge Group has announced it is on site developing a new 75-bedroom Hotel Indigo situated in the city centre of Chester.

The first key milestone has been achieved with the erection of the steel superstructure.

The hotel will be managed by Castlebridge Hotel Management, which has a successful background in managing hotels across the UK.

The food and drink offering in the hotel will be operated by MasterChef Champion Simon Wood who will open his second restaurant, Wood Chester, within the hotel.

Simon’s first restaurant is located on First Street in the city centre.

The boutique hotel is due to open towards the end of 2019.

The main contractor on the project is Bowmer & Kirkland who are based in Derbyshire with a regional office in Manchester.

They are also building a hotel at Birmingham Airport for Castlebridge Group and a further Hotel Indigo in Manchester City Centre.

Regional director, Neil Brook, said: “It is a pleasure to be working again with Castlebridge and IHG on this prestigious hotel development in Chester.”

The architects and interior designers, who have been working on the new Hotel Indigo, are Franklin Ellis, and the firm’s design team has worked hard to ensure the hotel guest rooms have a unique boutique feel, taking inspiration from the different aspects and features that make Chester such a great place.

Wood Chester will be a sophisticated and relaxed restaurant and bar that overlooks Grosvenor Park Road.

Partner at Franklin Ellis Architects, Ben Dudley, said: “It’s been a real joy to be involved in this hotel and signature restaurant project.

“Led by Castlebridge’s vision for the scheme, our team have been inspired to create something very special.

“On a personal note, it’s fascinating to work with chef Simon Wood and to see how his attention to every detail ensures his guests have a wonderful dining experience. I’m certain this project will be a fabulous new venue for Chester and a delightful place to stay.”

Hotel Indigo is a part of the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) portfolio.

The hotel will be part of one of the world’s leading hotel companies with a presence in almost 100 countries.

Inspired by the neighbourhood around each property no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same. Each Hotel Indigo property features thoughtful design touches and vibrant restaurants and bars connected to the spirit of the local neighbourhood.

This particular hotel will feature rooms based around Chester’s historic architecture, racecourse and famous clock tower.

The new hotel will create 50 new staffing positions.

Chef Wood was introduced to Castlebridge Group by national property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton, which brokered the deal between Castlebridge and BP Assets (Chester).

Lambert Smith Hampton hotels director, Hugh Anderson, said: “Chester is a strong market for hotels and the new Hotel Indigo and Wood restaurant will provide an excellent addition to the city’s hotel and dining offer.”

Castlebridge Group’s commercial director, Jenna Dienn, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for the group, Chester is a great city and we believe that both hotel and restaurant will trade extremely well.”