Groundbreaking Development

28 July 2007

Watkin Jones Homes’ eagerly anticipated Gorse Stacks development in Chester is on the way - following a traditional ground-breaking ceremony which signified the start of work on this prestigious site, just outside the city walls at Northgate.

Councillor Stephen Mosley Deputy Leader of Chester City Council accompanied by Mike Jones Executive Member for Development, performed the ‘honours’ by turning over the first sod – watched by local dignitaries, including Lord Mayor Jim Latham and Councillor Andrew Storrar, and representatives of Watkin Jones, including both the Chairman and the Managing Director.

Gorse Stacks, a public/private sector partnership between Watkin Jones Homes, Chester City Council and Rufus Estates, is an important and impressive development, providing a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments, affordable housing, retail and commercial units. Positioned just a short walk from the new Northgate project, Gorse Stacks also features a large underground public car park – maintaining the visual appeal of this key area with clever use of space.

Executive member for development, Councillor Mike Jones said: "I am delighted to see this scheme move forward. It's a fantastic project and also provides additional car parking which will be welcomed by all."

Gorse Stacks has been planned and designed to perfectly suit its setting – the development is sympathetic with the wonderful historical surroundings, and will complement the look and feel that makes Chester such a special place.

Councillor Margaret Parker leader of Chester City Council said: "The scheme delivers an exciting project which will culminate in a vibrant expansion of the city centre and signals the regeneration of Gorse Stacks by creating low cost private housing, with a public underground car park and ground floor shops and restaurants."

Recognising the rich archaeological heritage of the site, a programme of digs and research is being undertaken throughout the development of Gorse Stacks. Even that curious name has a story behind - the area was once used for storage of brushwood and dry fuel for baker's ovens, safely stacked outside the city walls to prevent the outbreak of fires!

Glyn Watkin Jones, Chairman of the Watkin Jones Group, expressed his delight at the commencement of the building work: “This has been a challenging and exciting project for our company – combining all the benefits and features of a modern development with a design that fits in with these marvellous surroundings. My thanks go to all members of the professional teams who are supporting us with their expertise, and to the local council who shared our vision and who have offered us so much guidance.”

Local homebuyers will certainly be looking forward to seeing the project take shape – with its superb luxury apartments and stylish affordable housing, Gorse Stacks is the perfect answer to many of Chester’s social needs. The development will be constructed in three staged phases - Site 1 and 3 are expected to be completed by the end of July 2009, with Site 2 expected to follow on and be completed within a further two years. A ground-breaking development from Watkin Jones Homes, enhancing the city now and into the future!

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