Appendix L Chester Characterisation and Vacancy Assessment continued

The Grosvenor Shopping Centre is strategically located within the City Centre. It is accessible from a number of directions and links different parts of the City Centre together. Its primary provision is retail, with large floorplates catering to national brands. However, with the development of Northgate and the changing nature of the high street, its fortunes are unclear, particular as a large part of its retail provision is at the dark and dated St Michael’s Square. The SWOT analysis explores the future of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

Strengths

Covered shopping area

Large floorplates able to cater to national brands

Accessible from various directions

Strong retail offering

St Michael’s Row has kept much of its historic character

Conveniently located with respect to car parking

Opportunities

Ability to attract large national brands

The Centre is permeable and therefore it links areas of the city

Weaknesses

Large floorplates only suitable for national brands

St Michael’s Square is poorly lit

Dominated by retail

Not overly apparent where the Centre is located

Large floorplates mean vacant units more noticeable

Aside from the St Michael’s Row, lacking in historic interest

High levels of vacancy

Threats

Rental and business rates threat to attracting occupiers

Ownership uncertainty

Vulnerable to the changing behaviours of shoppers