Northgate Development Demolition of St Martin’s House

30 July 2007

The first major demolition work heralding the beginning of the Northgate project begins this week. (July 30).

City council leader Councillor Margaret Parker was behind the controls of a large digger, a Komatsu PC 600, as it began to rip in to St Martin’s House at the back of Chester bus station.

The former Health Authority building, fronting the inner ring road, has been vacant for more than a decade and has become an eye sore.

The interior fittings and fixtures, windows, doors and asbestos have been removed and the digger operated by demolition firm KDC, will take about three weeks to bring the building down.

KDC estimates that 80% of the materials – timber, metals and concrete, from the demolished buildings will be recycled.

As part of phase one of the development, St Martin’s House will be replaced by a 652 space multi-story car park which will link to the new department store, other new shops and restaurants which all form part of the £400 million Northgate Development being undertaken by ING Real Estate.

Council leader, Councillor Margaret Parker said: ”With the demolition of St.Martin’s House, we are at last beginning to see the start of the Northgate Development. This is a very exciting project for Chester and I am confident it will bring many benefits to the city for all of our residents and visitors.

Executive member for development, Councillor Mike Jones said:” I am delighted to see this eyesore at last being demolished, the car park will ensure visitors to Chester will have improved facilities and will continue to receive a warm welcome as the re-development work continues. Our visitors are very important and an essential aspect of Chester’s economy.”

Construction of phase one will start later this year and completion is expected in 2011.

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