Chester is set to get its own branch of Harrods following planning approval from Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC) Council.
Although somewhat smaller than the iconic department store in London, luxury treatments, products and workshops will be offered by Harrods’ H Beauty stores for make-up, fragrance skincare and hairstyling. Since 2020, stores have been established in Newcastle, Milton Keynes, Essex, Bristol and Edinburgh. The two buildings at the site are currently listed, but the plan is to not use either the Medieval crypt or the upper floor. Heritage concerns related to four ornate large ceiling roundels that had previously been affected in when the store had been refurbished in the past.
Following the closure of the Debenhams’s chain in 2021, the site has been empty. Planning officer Lyndsay Shinner said any limited negative effects on the two listed buildings would be offset by the economic benefits to the city because it was understood:
“…that there would be economic incentives to the city by hosting an international brand which could act as a retail anchor to support key economic regeneration objectives. The public benefit is clear and convincing and outweighs the low degree of less-than-substantial harm identified to the significance of the heritage asset.”
Chester offers a varied retail experience that attracts people to the city. If you’re in need of somewhere to live in Chester as a student, there is plenty of off-campus accommodation near Chester university, often with no fees to pay up front.
Written By
Kate