COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead for the first phase of Northgate – meaning a new market, cinema, restaurants and car park will hit Chester city centre.

At a meeting on Wednesday night, Cheshire West and Chester Council approved the first phase as a standalone development – with construction hoped to be complete in spring 2021.

The second phase – which is expected to include new shops, and could include a new Crowne Plaza hotel – will then follow at a later date.

Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “Everybody knows that the outlook for retail is changing, the way people shop is changing.

“That is why we are focusing on a fantastic destination in the heart of the city to bring local residents and visitors together.

“We will then review future phases to make sure that it is right – not just for Northgate but for the whole of the city.

“This is just the beginning, and as long as we keep the backing for this going forward, I can see no other outcome other than the fact that Chester will rise and become the finest city in this area.”

CWAC’s decision marks light at the end of the tunnel for Northgate, which has been 18 years in the making.

The former Chester City Council struck a partnership with ING for the scheme in 2000, but this was dropped in 2008 due to the recession.

CWAC revived the scheme in 2012 on the back of a major public consultation, called the One City Plan, before making revisions to the scheme in 2015 and again this month – reflecting the changing market conditions.

Cllr Stuart Parker, Conservative, said: “The Northgate proposals have faced numerous challenges over the years, leading to levels of uncertainty whether the development would ever take place at all.

“Chester needs Northgate to revitalise its standing as a must-see visitor destination, and I am happy to support the recommendations from cabinet.”

The first phase of Northgate is the area between Hunter Street and Princess Street, where the former bus station and library were based.

A report issued to CWAC said this phase should be completed first so the market could be relocated away from the Forum Shopping Centre – which will eventually make way for future development.

Cllr Samantha Dixon, leader of CWAC, praised the cooperation of members from both Labour and the Conservatives in helping to push through the scheme in her ward.

She added: “It’s so important for breathing life and confidence, not just into Northgate, but for the wider city and the whole borough.”

The first phase is expected to cost £60 million, but only have a value of £50 million once complete – meaning CWAC expects to be faced with a £10 million deficit.

CWAC is set to continue feasibility work on the second phase of the scheme, to monitor the market for retail and the demand for a new hotel to replace the existing Crowne Plaza.

Cllr Pamela Hall, Conservative member for Great Boughton, added: “Town centres are changing, we all know that.

“I’m not a town planner, but I love my city, I want it to thrive in the future as well as showcase our history.

“Please can we have a vision for the whole of the city, not just that area, and please let this be the last time I have to vote for a feasibility report.”

Picturehouse, Tapas Revolution, Zizzi and Cosy Club have all been secured as tenants for the first phase of Northgate so far.