A NEW bar and restaurant concept which will be unique to the city of Chester is set to open as part of the Northgate development next year.

North Light will occupy an 8,600 square foot space in the Coachworks Arcade element of the scheme fronting Northgate Street and the new public Exchange Square at the heart of the Northgate development.

It has been designed by New World Trading Company for Chester specifically and will replace The Florist brand which was slated to open as part of the new development.

North Light hopes to offer a more modern, distinctive, Chester-centric venue with a creative edge, built around the history of the city and reflecting its forward-looking ambitions.

A one-of-a-kind brand, it promises 'a warm and atmospheric space to cultivate good times.' At the heart of the concept, will be emerging regional artists who will be able to showcase their work throughout the venue, providing a platform for talent and creating an ever-evolving look and feel for the site.

Set to open early next year, the venue’s kitchen will offer something for everyone from healthy and balanced home comforts to modern dishes and small plates developed by in-house chefs. The bar team will mix unique cocktails alongside an impressive drinks menu.

North Light takes its name from the optimal light for creativity, combined with the beautiful light from its unique glass building, the rich history of Northgate and its proud northern location.

Once the city’s arts centre back in the 1970’s, New World Trading Company say the building’s interior design will be influenced by Chester’s unique architecture and rich history, incorporating warm colours of clay and terracotta, present in the Coachworks Arcade frontage, organic and angular finishes and an interesting use of glass, allowing natural light to stream into the venue.

Amber Sacco, Lead Designer at North Light said: "Chester is home to a fantastic creative movement and some amazing, unique arts and leisure concepts. Our aim with North Light is to support this forward-thinking sector and deeply connect with residents, offering a new and modern space where all are welcome.

"Supporting the local community and the talented rising artists of the city is so important to us and we can’t wait to open our doors next year and be a part of the city’s exciting future."

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cheshire West and Chester Council Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy and Regeneration said: "We whole-heartedly welcome the news of this unique concept coming to Chester, especially when this modern take on the building’s recent past as an arts centre will fit so distinctively with the emerging cultural identity of the city and more specifically with Northgate as a cultural and leisure quarter. The North Light venue will undoubtedly be an exciting new addition to the city experience."