PLANS for a new £5 million hotel, spa and restaurant in the heart of Chester city centre have grown after the group behind the scheme acquired a neighbouring building to the site.

The Wildes Hotel Group has acquired neighbouring building 10 Bridge Street – once home to Thomas Cook and latterly a Hays Travel branch – as plans have been revealed to increase the size and offering of the spa, while the new site would now be home to the proposed restaurant.

On track to open in late summer 2022, the hotel features 18 boutique bedrooms. The acquisition allows the restaurant plan to have its own bespoke space.

Where the restaurant was once situated, that site will now be a relaxed and informal dining space and bar, with outdoor seating on the historic rows, and will serve guests all day.

In addition, the expansion allows extended roof space with views overlooking the city, with the increase in size ensuring it will now be open to the public, not just hotel guests.

Initial plans reveal a 32ft rooftop pool and terrace with views of the city, multiple treatment rooms and a feature amphitheatre sauna with views across Bridge Street.

Paul Wildes, CEO of The Wildes Hotel Group, said: “The acquisition of 10 Bridge Street is another exciting milestone for Wildes Chester.

"The additional space has meant we are able to update our already exciting plans for the spa and restaurant, elevating the offer even further and ensuring the hotel, spa and restaurant will be like nothing the city has seen before.

“Work is now well under way on the site and we will be revealing more details in the coming months. Watch this space!”

The 18 bedrooms will all be unique, with free-standing furnishings to allow the original building and its features to ‘breathe’. Each will house quirky elements such as a free-standing bathtub with skylight for guests to enjoy the night sky in style. One of the rooms will even feature its own four-seater cinema.