Neptune submits plans for Chester Shot Tower scheme

NEPTUNE Developments has submitted plans for a £6.4m redevelopment of Chester’s Shot Tower and Lead Works to create 53 new apartments, leisure and retail facilities.

The Grade II-listed building is the oldest remaining shot tower in the country and one of only three that are still standing.

The Shot Tower is the tallest structure in Chester, standing at 168ft tall. It provided lead shot for muskets during the Napoleonic Wars, which was formed by pushing molten lead through a copper sieve at the top of the tower.

As it fell this would cool into lead balls. The complex was used as a short works up until 2001.

Liverpool-based Neptune is now working with Chester & District Trust to transform the former mill into into a modern development, while retaining its many historic features. The new scheme has been designed by architects Broadway Malyan.

Neptune’s managing director Steve Parry said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with this exciting scheme. This will bring an interesting part of Chester’s heritage back into use and bring much needed affordable housing onto the market.”

The housing will be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments which will be available for affordable rent and sale. On the ground floor, there will also be a mixture of leisure and retail units and a small visitor centre to explain the heritage of the site.

Dave Soothill, assistant director at Chester & District Housing Trust, added: “We are delighted to be working with Neptune on what is an exciting opportunity for us and look forward to continue to contributing to the regeneration of Chester.”

Subject to planning approval, Neptune hopes to start on site during the summer with work due for completion a year later.