A £10m project to transform a 1970s Chester office building into a luxury residential complex is almost complete. Tony McDonough reports

Centurion House on Northgate Street in Chester

Developer Blueoak Estates says its scheme to convert a former 1970s office building in Chester city centre into 28 luxury apartments is almost complete.

Blueoak unveiled the £10m project in February this year. It will see Centurion House in Northgate Street brought back to life. It was the headquarters of Sanctuary Housing until January 2022.

This development officially launches on July 6 when buyers will be able to view the luxury penthouse show apartment and tour the private communal courtyard garden. Centurion House includes 28 one and two-bedroom apartments.

The scheme offers lift access, a stunning and secluded communal garden located in the centre of the building, private secure parking, views across the city and Clwyddian mountains to select units, with views of Chester Cathedral to others.

Iain MacLean, managing director of Blueoak Estates, which is also involved in a number of projects in Wirral, said: “It’s wonderful to see the transformation of Centurion House come to fruition.

“The template of the building presented so much scope and potential, and we knew immediately it would be perfect for redevelopment into luxury apartments.

The scheme offers unparalleled location, outstanding views, wonderful infrastructure and high spec design and finish. Interest in Centurion House has been strong from the outset, and we are anticipating a rapid take up of these homes from a broad audience.”

Centurion House is surrounded by independent cafés and restaurants and has The Story House (library, theatre, cinema), New Market, Picture House Cinema, Chester Cathedral, Chester Town Hall and Library.

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Iain added: “We believe that the demographic here will range from ‘rightsizers’, ie those wanting to down-size but stay within the locale and retain the same standard of living, as well as young professionals and the wider creative community.

“Chester, alongside many other cities and towns across the UK, must find a new way forward, as retail and cultural changes continue to create a massive shift in our landscapes.

“Building the foundations of new communities through schemes such as this will help ensure urban areas continue to flourish, in a new direction.”