Chester’s iconic Forum Shopping Centre has now been completely closed.
It shut for the final time on 31st December 2022, following the relocation of the market and the closure of the Market Car Park.
The shopping centre – which first opened in 1967, and was refurbished in 1995 – has been mothballed as part of the council’s vision to regenerate the Northgate area of the city.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) says it will explore potential development options for the site as part of a wider review of its One City Plan for Chester.
The local authority intends to retain the four shops which front onto Town Hall Square and the Crowne Plaza Hotel will also remain fully open.
Retailers within the Forum were supported to find alternative premises, should they wish to relocate.
The council said the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the changing nature of people’s shopping habits has had far reaching implications for the future provision of high street retail in Chester.
It cautioned that these factors will need to be considered as part of the future phases of the overall redevelopment of the Northgate area of the city.
Cllr Richard Beacham, CWAC cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, said: “The closure of the Forum is part of a planned strategy to prepare this area for future phases of the Northgate development.
“It is also part of the council’s plan to reduce the amount of vacant and poor-quality retail spaces in the city.
“I am really excited about how we can use this site, and other underused buildings nearby, to bring new life into this area of the city.
“In the months ahead, I am looking forward to starting to develop these plans so that more people are able to live and work in Chester city centre, which in turn will support local businesses to thrive.”
