Chester’s City Centre footfall figures for May 2022, the latest available monthly figures, are up and over 2019’s pre-pandemic figures*. They are also on a par with the UK’s and 9% ahead of the North’s according to the Institute of Place Management and comparison data for the High Street Index.
This is welcome news for the increasing number of independent retailers in the city and big retailing names which continue to support the City.
And there is more good news.
It comes in advance of the long-anticipated opening of the £72m Northgate development, the largest construction and regeneration project in Chester for over 40 years.
This summer will see occupiers completing their fit-outs and phased openings, the first being, Cosy Club restaurant fronting onto Northgate Street, which will commence trading from 12 July.
The new Coachworks Arcade and Exchange Square are nearing completion and will soon provide a stunning new public realm with outdoor seating, trees, restaurant al fresco areas and event space to create a fantastic new social and leisure hub for the city centre adjacent to the Storyhouse cultural centre.
All other elements of Northgate are either already completed or have fit-outs underway, such as the Picturehouse cinema with its 6 auditoriums and rooftop bar, The Florist restaurant and the new multi-storey carpark. Other areas will shortly be commencing their fit-outs, for example BrewDog and the new Chester Market with its 40 stalls, garden area and event stage and screen. The market is expected to be completed late autumn, ready for the run up to Christmas.
All remaining food and beverage units in the development and market stalls are either contracted or under offer – with further new tenant announcements coming soon – all demonstrating a huge vote of confidence in the resilience and attractiveness of Chester.
Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Growth, said: “Chester’s Northgate Development will breathe new life into our city, taking old inefficient buildings like the market and replacing them with something that is fit for purpose, both for traders and for customers. Supporting local business and creating new spaces for people to come together, spend time and learn new things in the post-Covid world is exactly what Northgate is all about.”
Martin Dodd of Bolton Birch added; “Northgate will bring a welcome boost to the City and deliver knock-on effects to benefit business and commerce here. A vibrant city is so important with its mix of independent and global names, commercial and residential appeal. Northgate is yet another jewel in the crown of reasons to live here, work in and visit the city. These factors all inter-relate and we also look forward to seeing the revitalised One City Plan coming soon for Chester.”
Carl Critchlow, Chief Executive Officer of Chester Business Improvement District said; “The boost in footfall is welcome and serves to highlight Chester’s continued appeal. Looking forward, the Northgate Development will help Chester to diversify its offer, providing new reasons to visit the City at different times outside of the traditional 9-5. The new cinema and market will attract visitors looking for a more experience-led trip while Exchange Square will provide us with a great new space to hold city centre events that both drive footfall and increase dwell time.”
*Rolling Footfall (Jan to May) was 326,897 in 2019 and 350,746 in 2022. The total number of visitors to Chester for the year to date is 6,291,327 which is 78.8% up on 2021. The total number of visitors to Chester in May 2022 was 1,402,984.
Thanks to Chester BID, Marketing Cheshire and Chester Northgate for their support with data and information for this article.
