Chester Characterisation and Vacancy Assessment continued

Although the general character of Pepper Street is hard to discern due to the prevalence of the ring road, popular national brands have a presence at Pepper Street including the Travel Lodge hotel. There is also a NCP car park with 273 car parking spaces conveniently location in close proximity to the Roman Amphitheatre and the Grosvenor Centre. The SWOT analysis below sets out the Pepper Street’s strengths and weaknesses and explores what will potentially affect its future fortunes.

Strengths

Large floorplates able to cater to national brands

Hotel offering

Strong food and beverage offering

Benefits from public transport links

Conveniently located adjacent to Chester’s primary covered shopping centre

Car park offering

Opportunities

Ability to attract large national brands

Proximity to the River Dee

Proximity to City Walls, Amphitheatre, Grosvenor Park, and Roman Gardens

Soft landscaping / planting to improve character

Weaknesses

Characterised by the ring road

Transient feel

Operators on southern side feel isolated

Unfriendly pedestrian environment

Lower footfall that other parts of the city centre

Public realm insufficient to accommodate outdoor seating

Threats

The fortunes of national brands have a direct bearing on fortunes of Pepper Street

The pivot of F&B to Northgate