Chester Characterisation and Vacancy Assessment

Northgate Street is a primary route into the heart of the city centre from the north of Chester. It has a diverse range of uses and is rich in heritage assets including the Town Hall. It is also one of the few places in the city with a flexible civic space. However, there are buildings which detract from the character of the street including Centurion House, Gateway House, and The Forum Shopping Centre. The Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis below explores the present situation at Northgate Street and its potential fortunes.

Strengths

Flexible civic space

Attractive heritage assets

Key route into the City Centre

Pedestrian friendly environment

Strong retail offer

Notable landmarks

Partly Pedestrianised

Opportunities

Opportunity to host events

Proximity to the Cathedral

Links to new Northgate development

Weaknesses

Vacant units in prominent locations

Northern section constrained by highway network

A number of buildings detract from character of the area Environment deteriorates towards Northgate

Smaller vacant units limit type of retail occupier

Limited outdoor seating space adjacent to units

Not fully pedestrianised and pedestrian quality varies

Threats

May not be able to cater to demand for outdoor seating

Units of similar size not able to appeal to varied range of occupiers