The Groves, Chester

Mixed Use Development

A proposed mixed-use commercial and residential project to re-develop a site at the end of Souters Lane beside the River Dee in the Groves, Chester. Currently occupied by "The Groves Inn" restaurant, the site is arguably one of the most iconic locations for visitors to the City who come to enjoy the river. This scheme would provide new licensed restaurants and bars, four retail units and enclosed car parking, all at ground level, together with fourteen residential properties, in three blocks, and a landscaped first floor roof garden. Prolonged negotiations with heritage bodies caused the client to suspend development of the scheme in favour of extending the use of the existing premises on the site.

Some of the key principles for the scheme include:

● Increasing the vitality of the area in all seasons, to encourage year round activity and a greater sense of security for both residents and for visitors at all times of day.

● To create architecture that is clearly of its time but embraces the rich heritage of the area and pays due regard to the principle features surrounding it - namely the Walls, the Roman Gardens and the River.

● To become a landmark in its own right but acknowledge views to, through and across the site from the Walls and the Roman Gardens.

● Using the very clear and distinctive palette of local materials, here best matched rather than contrasted.

● Complementing the existing landscape of the Roman Gardens and continuing the quality of the pedestrian experience from Newgate right to the riverside.

Please download the development profile sheet here.