RESIDENTS are invited to view progress on the redevelopment of a landmark Chester building this weekend, with the work having reached a major milestone.

Developer Blueoak Estates says phase one of its transformation of Grade II-listed Christleton Hall has now been completed. The former law college and historic manor house was built in 1750 and the firm started work in February to turn it into 14 luxury apartments. Seven of the homes are now fully complete.

In April last year, Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee unanimously backed proposals to convert the Hall into apartments, flatten 20th century university buildings and build 24 new detached houses on the site. The area was vacant at the time having previously been used by Chester Law School.

Two similar schemes had been rejected in the past, but a report to the committee at the time said the circumstances had since changed.

The plans were subsequently backed despite three parish councils – Littleton, Great Boughton and Christleton – all objecting. A fourth, Waverton, raised concerns over highways.

But representatives of the applicant told that meeting the work was ‘vital to secure the future maintenance of the listed hall’.

Welcoming completion of phase one of the work, Iain MacLean, managing director of Blueoak Estates, said: “This is a really important stage in the development as we are now able to share with visitors a completed phase one in all its amazing glory.

“The magnificent entrance hall is complete, dressed with stunning fittings and artwork which tells the story and history of Christleton Hall. Now is an amazing time to visit and get a real sense of what life would be like to live here.”

Blueoak Estates is holding an open day this Saturday (August 19) between 10am-3pm at the Hall on Pepper Street.