Forsters - Mixed-Use Development - Chester, Chester City Centre

Date: 25 Jan 2006

Leading property law firm Forsters, recently achieved a major milestone for its client Chester City Council with the signature of a development agreement that will remodel the historic city centre of Chester. In addition to negotiating the development agreement, which has been signed with developer Northgate Limited Partnership (a limited partnership set up by ING Real Estate) Forsters has advised the Council in relation to Section 106, the compulsory purchase order (CPO) inquiry and property litigation matters.

Property partner, Smita Edwards, has been working with the Council on matters relating to this project for four years, supported by a cross-disciplinary team. Planning partner, Michael Cunliffe, has advised extensively on planning issues such as the Section 106 agreement, whilst senior solicitor, Caroline Carter, has led the team advising in relation to the CPO. Partner Sarah Cook has provided advice in relation to construction issues, while property litigation partner, Jonathan Ross, has advised on vacant possession matters. The team will continue to work with the Council as the scheme progresses towards completion.

Northgate Limited Partnership has been advised by Peter Rudolf and Tim Hellier of Berwin Leighton Paisner.

Chester City Council's head of Northgate Development, Cliff Mallows said: "The achievement of this important milestone in the delivery of the Northgate proposals is great news and indicates confidence in both the scheme and Chester city as a place to invest. Forsters have played an important role in helping us achieve this goal, and they will continue to have a vital part to play in implementing the scheme."

The agreement with developer Northgate Limited Partnership will provide 41,000 sq m (440,000 sq ft) of new retail space, a new performing arts centre, library, market hall, bus station, Council offices, several civic squares, as well as 111 new residential apartments. The scheme will replace the existing Forum Shopping Centre and Gateway Theatre and move the library and market hall and will be anchored by a House of Fraser department store.

The development agreement is subject to a number of issues being resolved such as confirmation of the CPO, and the scheme is expected to go unconditional in September 2006, with demolition and construction work commencing in November 2006. The development is due for completion in April 2011.

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