Five star aparthotel set to transform former offices
A planning application to repair and redevelop 26 and 28 Nicholas Street has been registered with Cheshire West & Chester Council today (September 18), which will transform the historic buildings into one luxury aparthotel.
The development, by aparthotel operator Walker&Williams, will include 52 suites, a restaurant, rooftop pool and terrace with views to Chester Racecourse.
The proposals will also see the restoration of three Nicholas Street Mews, along with a further six mews cottages and two three-storey townhouses to provide high-quality city centre residential properties.
The Grade II-listed townhouses at 26 & 28 Nicholas Street were extended in the 20th century and used as offices until 2017, but are no longer fit for purpose.
Now standing vacant for three years, the buildings are in disrepair, having been vandalised.
Walker&Williams’ vision is to reinstate the two buildings into one property and convert them into a five star apartHotel and restaurant that pays respect to its heritage and its surroundings.
The development will see around £15m investment into the Chester economy, creating 136 jobs, eight new homes, and will be a significant boost to the visitor economy.
Speaking following validation of the planning application, Max Walker-Williams said: “The plans for Nicholas Street have been a long time in the making and I’m delighted that the planning application for our flagship aparthotel is now up and running.
“We’ve been in discussions about the project with the council, LEP, Marketing Cheshire and others for several months to make sure we get the new aparthotel just right for Chester.
“We have worked really hard to bring something unique and exceptional to Chester that will offer visitors something different and provide a reason for them to stay for longer in the city than they currently do.”
He added: “The encouragement and support that we have had so far has been tremendous.
“There is a clear desire from the council and others to see new investment like ours come forward now and I can’t wait to hear what people think of our vision.”
