Latimer acquires first residential site in Chester

Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has announced the acquisition of a 1.24 acre brownfield site in the centre of Chester – marking the Group’s first investment in the city that will provide much-needed affordable homes for first time buyers.

City Place is located in the centre of Chester, adjacent to the recently refurbished Grade II listed Shot Tower and the Shropshire Union Canal. It forms part of a wider masterplan proposal with outline planning permission for a mixed use development comprising offices, homes, shops, restaurants and cafés.

The scheme will comprise 132 one- and two-bedroom apartments, of which 40% will be for shared ownership with the remainder for private sale. Each apartment will have a balcony or Juliette alongside communal terraces and gardens and quality public realm.

Latimer purchased the site from Progressive Living City Place, part of Progressive Living Developments, which will appoint a contractor and deliver the scheme under a development agreement.

Located within walking distance of the city centre and the train station, the site provides connections to nearby cities and beyond, and the canal footpath can be easily accessed from the site, providing a direct pedestrian and cycling route into the historic core of Chester.

Work on site is expected to begin in Summer 2022 subject to planning.

Richard Cook, group director of development for Clarion Housing Group, said:

“Demand for housing in the centre of Chester has risen in recent years, and we’re delighted to have acquired this site to provide a range of homes that the city needs."

“We will deliver sustainable and high-quality new homes in a location that provides easy access to local employment opportunities and public transport. City Place will be a vibrant new community and we look forward to seeing our vision for the site become reality.”