Cheshire West and Chester Council has started hunting for a contractor to deliver the £300 million Chester Northgate scheme.

The scheme aims to transform the northwest quarter of Chester City Centre with new shopping, leisure and residential development.

Features will include;

• A department store along with a mix of large and small shops

• A multi-screen cinema

• Cafés, bars and restaurants

• A new, reinvigorated market hall

• A new hotel with conference facilities

• Parking for around 800 cars

• New bus stops on St. Martin's Way

In addition, the development is set to create over 1,000 new jobs.

The advertisement for a contractor in the Official Journal of the European Union will enable a contractor to be appointed to work alongside the Council and its professional advisors to develop the design, test build ability and manage out risk. The first stage of the appointment will be limited to developing the design proposals.

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Subject to relevant approvals, construction on the scheme could begin at the end of 2018.

Cllr Brian Clarke said: "This is an exciting time for Northgate and Chester, the recent opening of the bus interchange and Storyhouse has demonstrated our commitment to the city and commencing the process of appointing a contractor for Chester Northgate is further evidence of our commitment and ambitions."

Cllr Stuart Parker added: "The start of the appointment process for the contractor is a clear indication of the pace that is being maintained on the delivery of this critical project. It is important that our historic city remains relevant and is a vibrant centre where people want to come to shop, live work and spend their leisure time and Chester Northgate supports these ambitions."

Contractors have until the end of September 2017 to respond, with shortlisted contractors being notified in October and invited to tender. The successful contractor is likely to be appointed in February/March 2018.

(LM)