A NEW exclusive private members club is looking to open its doors in the heart of Chester next year.

The Wildes Group has announced it has taken a long-term lease on a Grade I-listed building on Watergate Street, with the view to launch ‘W’.

The only private members club of its kind in the city, ‘W’ will open in late summer 2022, subject to planning consent.

It will feature a cinema screening room, casino, private meeting rooms, co-working space, cocktail bar and cutting-edge gym, all set in a historic former townhouse on Watergate Street, previously known as ‘Booth Mansion’.

The news comes after the Wildes Group early last year announced planning on the Grade II-listed building opposite for Wildes Chester, a luxury boutique hotel, spa and fine-dining restaurant, set to open in July 2022.

With plans to attract a membership base from all industries including creative thinkers and entrepreneurs, as well as Wildes Chester hotel guests, the club is set to be a hub for like-minded individuals to enjoy a full range of experiences, from a chilled atmosphere to relax, work and network during the day to a destination to unwind and party by night.

The interiors will be designed by award-winning interior design consultancy, SpaceInvader, with an emphasis being on ‘modern luxury’ whilst being sensitive to the array of historic elements the building contains.

Paul Wildes, CEO of The Wildes Group which has a successful portfolio of hotels in the North of England, said: “I am very pleased to finally announce plans for W.

"We feel Chester is crying out for a premium venue for like-minded individuals to not only connect and share ideas but to relax, rewind and escape the city.

“Just opposite our hotel, Wildes Chester, W is set to compliment the hotel offer and make a stay in the city one to remember, through excellent food and drinks, premium facilities and unrivalled service, whatever the occasion.

“With Chester’s hospitality scene going from strength to strength, we can’t wait to add another facet to the city and put Chester truly on the map.”

The historic Booth Mansion building dates back to 1700 and is included in the English Heritage Archive. Over the years the building has been home to several businesses including a solicitors, gallery and Sotheby’s auction gallery.

A planning application for W is being submitted in due course by renowned local conservation architects, Donald Insall Associates.