Clarion Housing Group has named Galliford Try as the main contractor for a major all-social-rent development in Chester. The £28 million contract will see the construction of 126 sustainable apartments at the City Place site, situated prominently along the Shropshire Union Canal.
Development Details
The project, located on Charterhall Drive, sits adjacent to the historic Grade II-listed Chester Shot Tower. Managed by Latimer (Clarion’s development arm), the scheme consists of:
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103 two-bedroom apartments
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23 one-bedroom apartments
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100% Social Rent: Addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in the region.
Sustainability and Innovation
In a push toward net-zero targets, the development is designed to be entirely fossil-fuel-free. Key environmental features include:
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Minimum EPC B rating for all units.
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100% Electric Vehicle (EV) charging provision for residents.
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Integration into the wider City Place masterplan, revitalizing the canal-side area.
Strategic Partnerships
Construction is scheduled to begin this month (March 2026). The project underscores the ongoing collaboration between Clarion and Cheshire West & Chester Council to tackle local housing shortages.
“This all-social-rent development demonstrates the value of long-term partnerships and our determination to invest in communities where affordable housing is urgently needed.” — Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group
“This innovative new development will be an exemplar for sustainable living, and we look forward to working with Clarion to deliver the high-quality homes their customers deserve.” — Darren Parker, Managing Director at Galliford Try Building North West