Place North West Debate

15th June, 2015

Aaron & Partners recently sponsored an invitation-only debate in conjunction with Place North West and Chester West & Chester Council (CWaC) which coincided with the launch of the Cheshire West & Chester Property Review.

Topics discussed during the debate included:

• Rural Property
o How to grow housing in the rural communities whilst keeping the current balance
o The further implementation of mobile & broadband connections

• Chester
o The development of One City Plan and what impact it will have on the city
o The retail situation in the city and how Chester can complete (& complement) the retail distinctions such as Cheshire Oaks

• Housebuilding
o Ellesmere Port residential developments and what can be done to address the slow take up
o Problems facing housebuilders general across the county

• Industrial
o Shortage of quality industrial space across Chester West & Chester and what that means for the region
o The issue of static land values against increase in build costs increased
o Gap between occupier demand and build costs

• Offices
o Little and limited range of commercial space available
o Units selling for less than build costs – what is the solution?
o Quality new office buildings limited to One City Place within central Chester

• Strategies & Objectives
o To create demand for businesses to move into the area
o Decide who should encourage businesses into the area
o Develop detailed plan for growing the science sector
o Encourage major tourist attractions to work together
o Local authorities to work together to build cross-boundary collaboration

• Other Issues
o Devolution of Manchester and Liverpool creating an unknown quantity
o Authorities’ austerity measures hamper involvement

Cheshire West & Chester Property Review Executive Summary 2015

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