New 162-room Chester hotel will deliver more than 130 jobs
A new ‘lifestyle’ hotel has been approved for central Chester, creating more than 130 jobs.
Chester West & Chester Council’s planning committee gave the green light for the 162-room development, at 1-13 Frodsham Street, which will include a top-floor restaurant with a rooftop balcony overlooking the cathedral.
Investment manager Cervidae and development manager AXIS-RE submitted their proposals earlier this year.
The designs were created by the Chester office of architecture practice Donald Insall Associates, with the final plans approved following close collaboration with the council and Historic England.
Designed to complement neighbouring architecture, the hotel will comprise four floors and include 7,500 sq ft of ground floor retail space.
Cervidae and AXIS-RE are in advanced discussions with a number of potential operators for the hotel. The style and finish will be targeted at the growing ‘lifestyle’ sector, incorporating the best elements of boutique hotel design and amenities alongside the greater affordability and accessibility offered by major operators.
The rooftop restaurant is anticipated to become a destination in its own right.
Nick Mullins, director at AXIS-RE, said: “It is hugely exciting to see these plans approved, particularly so having worked closely with the council and Historic England to create a hotel that complements and enhances the local area.
“Bringing new jobs and amenities, it will be a real asset for the people of Chester, as well as providing much needed hotel beds for visitors seeking a boutique, lifestyle experience.”
Tony Barton, chairman at Donald Insall Associates, said: “We carefully designed a relatively large hotel in a sensitive historic setting which will give a significant economic boost to Chester.
“Our approach has been to reflect and echo the context of Chester’s unique streetscape in a contemporary form using traditional materials to add a sense of place to an important city centre site that requires regeneration.”
Cervidae is an international real estate investment and development company, with assets including city centre projects in London, New York, Paris, Birmingham and Dublin. AXIS-RE is an independent Manchester-based development, investment and asset management firm, with a track record of schemes across the North West.
