A guide has been published in partnership between the One City Plan (OCP) Making Group, Chester Great and Small (GAS) and the Council; it’s intended to help small and medium-sized developers turn the upper floors of our unique Rows heritage buildings into homes.
In 2023, GAS was commissioned by the OCP Making Group to produce a ‘how to’ guide. The three contributors to the report are GAS ambassadors and architects: Tony Barton, heritage consultant and former chair of Donald Insall Associates (DIA); Guy Evans, director Cassidy + Ashton (C+A) and Tony Swindells, founder director of developer, Ōpenhōme. The trio have combined their respective expertise across architecture, heritage, planning, development and investment strategy.
Written from a private sector perspective, ‘Living over the Rows’ offers 20 pages of comprehensive and expert step-by-step guidance, highlighting the major opportunities and potential that exists – some 1,227,000 ft² across 197 buildings – as well as the practical challenges and key considerations of residential development.
Andy Farrall - Chair of the OCP Making Group said: “The spaces above the Rows – are hidden in plain sight – yet are just waiting to be returned to residential accommodation. These beautiful and quirky buildings are central to breathing new life into our city though increased footfall and enhanced vibrancy. The purpose of ‘Living above the Rows’ is to outline the potential challenges and solutions, so that imaginative developers feel empowered to explore these unique opportunities further.”
The guide can be downloaded via: https://www.chesteronecityplan.co.uk/resources
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