Revised proposals for converting Chester's old Mecca Bingo Hall into a new 146-bedroom hotel have been approved. The majority of the existing structure will be demolished to accommodate the seven-storey 'Hotel Chester' project, located next to St Oswald’s Way, which is anticipated to bring about 80 permanent jobs once open.
The hotel is set to feature serviced office space within its landmark mock-Tudor front at Brookdale Place. Developer TAG, leading the initiative, has forecast over 100 construction jobs during the building phase.
Cheshire West and Chester Council had previously given planning permission for the endeavour last summer, despite facing some opposition. However, last month saw TAG submit an application for a 'non-material amendment', aimed at reducing the overall footprint of the building.
In her report recommending approval, case officer Lyndsay Shinner indicated that the proposed revisions were "prompted by the future operator's requirement to provide a minimum of five per cent accessible room allocations". Shinner also noted: "All the rooms have been reduced marginally in size to allow for additional accessible rooms to be created on each floor."
The blueprint for the construction has been modestly scaled down, with room dimensions tweaked to meet specific requirements. This alteration not only improves the main entrance by offering more spacious circulation areas but also enhances vehicle access, reports .
Despite the smaller overall size, the updated plan manages to incorporate an additional two rooms (bringing the total to 146) without affecting the building's exterior or design features. The report says: "Collectively and individually, the proposed changes are not deemed to be significant changes that would have a material impact in terms of the original scheme. The proposed changes would not conflict with the description of development on the decision notice."
In December 2023, TAG's director Luke Averill said: "Designs for Hotel Chester have been inspired by the city's history and reflect Cheshire West and Chester Council's ambition to support the growth of the area's visitor and business economy. Rejuvenation in this part of Chester is much-needed and we believe Hotel Chester will act as a catalyst for exactly this.
"Guests staying at the hotel will create additional demand for local shops, restaurants, bars and other attractions, which we estimate could boost the local economy by £2.3m every year."
The site, formerly Mecca Bingo, has a rich history dating back to 1931 when it was The Gaumont cinema, later becoming a bowling alley in the 1960s and a bingo hall in 1970, before its closure in February 2023.
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