Work has begun on the £1m second phase of a Chester hotel project that will see a former pub converted into a tapas restaurant and aparthotel accommodation.
The former Plumbers Arms in Newgate Street is being converted as an extension to The Hotel Chester aparthotel that was opened in April by family-run hospitality business Walker & Williams.
Lancashire headquartered architecture and design practice Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) has designed the scheme that will see the pub converted into four apartments and a restaurant with glass walls opening out onto a secluded walled courtyard. The restaurant will be operated by Fino Tapas.
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Preston and Manchester-based FWP also led the restoration of the first part of the hotel, which saw a building from 1782 that had been used as offices converted into the £4.6m Hotel Chester.
The new extension will take the Hotel Chester up to 16 apartments. Work is set to be completed in spring.
The Walker & Williams Group was created by Max and Laura Walker-Williams and plans to continue expanding its aparthotel business across the North West.
It has worked with FWP on several projects, including the £2.8m Winckley Square Hotel in Preston and the redevelopment of Ormskirk’s former magistrates court building.
Brent Clayton, partner at FWP, said: “We worked closely with Walker & Williams on the first phase of their Chester hotel plan which completely transformed an historic old building that had stood empty for some time.
“The Hotel Chester is now a thriving, award-winning venue and this second phase, which represents more significant investment in Chester’s city centre, will build on this success.
“In this phase we have again worked closely with the Walker & Williams team to bring forward more quality accommodation and a stylish restaurant setting. And again, we have utilised every part of the old pub building through good design.
“We’ve built up a good relationship with the client and we understand their vision and ethos. It is about creating a real sense of stand-out luxury and destination.”
Walker & Williams operations director Max Williams said: “This is the second of three phases we have planned for The Hotel Chester, which is our finest aparthotel to date and has been a massive hit with guests since it opened in April this year.
“FWP has once again played a major role in design and delivery as we look to offer guests even more and breathe new life into another building in the centre of this historic city.”
He added: “We continue to look forward to working with the FWP team long into the future as we look to grow and expand the business.”
