[Last updated March 2023] A guide to serviced offices and office space to rent in Chester as well as general information that may be useful if you are thinking of renting office space in the city.
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History & Geography
Located in North West England on the River Dee in the county of Cheshire, Chester sits on a sandstone ridge close to the Welsh border. The city was founded by the Romans as Deva Victrix in the 70s CE and was an important fortress, home to the Legio XX Valeria Victrix. A sizable civilian settlement quickly grew up around the fortress based on trade with the legionnaires. The settlement also boasted the largest military amphitheatre in Britain. When the Romans left the territory in the 5th century, the settlement continued, and most likely many veterans stayed behind with their families. In the early 7th century, the Saxons captured the settlement after a fierce battle with the Romano-British. The town then became part of the Kingdom of Northumbria. Until the 11th century, the town was still referred to as Legacaester, meaning ‘fortress city of the legions’, until this was shortened and became simply Chester. Under the Saxons, the town was further fortified against attacks from the Danes. When the Normans invaded in the 11th century, Chester was one of the last towns in England to submit. For this reason, William the Conqueror constructed a large castle in the area to control the town and watch the Welsh border. Over the centuries, due to its advantageous position on the River Dee and its proximity to the North Sea, Chester continued to prosper as a major trading hub and centre of commerce. The city continued to prosper during the Industrial Revolution due to its efficient transport links, namely the Shropshire Union Canal and the city’s two railway stations, Chester General and Chester Northgate Station. The Chester Cattle Market was the largest in the region and was a major contributing factor to the city’s prosperity. The Victorian era saw the city expand significantly and much of its architecture is from this period, featuring distinctive Jacobean half-timbered houses. In the mid-20th century, a lack of housing caused the city to develop residential areas on the outskirts of the city on what had once been farmland. However, this period also saw many historic buildings in the city knocked down until in 1968 a government report recommended building around them instead of demolition. Due to this decision, Chester has retained many of its old buildings which give the city the elegant aesthetic of today.
Economy
Today, Chester is one of the wealthiest cities in North West England. Its economy is mainly comprised of service industries, like many other cities in the area. Primary among them are tourism, retail, financial services and public administration. The city’s rich history and a plethora of landmarks attract visitors from both the UK and abroad and tourism has become a staple of the economy. Among the financial services outfits with a presence in Chester are Bank of America, MBNA Europe, NFU Mutual, HBOS plc and M&S Money. Also, the price comparison site moneysupermarket.com is based just over the border in the Welsh town of Ewloe. Just to the west of Chester is a major Airbus factory which employs over 6,000 people and manufactures wings. Additionally, Chester is a major retail centre, featuring two major indoor shopping centres, the Grosvenor Shopping Centre and the Forum. To the west and south of the city are two major retail parks, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet and Broughton Retail Park.
In the summer of 2022, the first elements of the Northgate scheme opened including the new 36,000 square foot Chester Market, 800-space car park and Zizzi restaurant alongside the Cosy Club restaurant which opened in the summer.
Further elements including food and beverage units and a new six-screen cinema are due to open later in 2023.
Tourism & Culture
Chester has a thriving tourist industry, due in no small part to the history surrounding the city. One of Chester’s primary landmarks is the city walls, which are the most complete in Britain and whose construction was started by the Romans and hugely extended by the Normans. A footpath runs along the top of the walls and is a popular walk. The city is also known for the Chester Rows, covered walkways which connect the entrances to shops and other buildings and date from medieval times. Chester’s distinctive black and white architecture, most of which are from Victorian times. Chester Cathedral and Chester Town Hall are also significant landmarks, as is the preserved shot tower, used for making lead musket balls. Chester’s amphitheatre, the largest uncovered in Britain, is also a major draw for history buffs and dates from the 1st century CE.
Transportation
Chester is served by Chester General railway station which has recently undergone extensive restoration. The rail line serving Chester General are North Wales Coast Line, Virgin Trains to London Euston, Arriva Trains to Manchester Piccadilly and Merseyrail to Liverpool. Chester itself is served by an extensive bus system, which is the main means of public transportation in the city. Chester has been designated a Cycling Demonstration Town and is receiving substantial financial support from the government to upgrade its cycling facilities, including new cycling lanes throughout the city.
Office space to rent in Chester
Following the Great Recession, Chester was suffering from something of a dearth of office space, especially in its city centre.
Chester and the North West region were not spared the effects of the financial crisis and demand remained low for many years.
However, in 2013, a surge in demand began which the city’s supply of office space struggled to cope with. There is however a greater supply of office space in the areas surrounding the city including Herons Way and Sealand Road which was suitable for some occupiers.
In 2022, the first office space deal was completed at the city’s Northgate scheme. Sovereign & Trustee Services Ltd (SCATS) signed for 1,200 sq ft at Coachworks Arcade which is the workspace element of the mixed-use scheme.
Non-office tenants at the scheme include The Florist, Cosy Club, Brewdog, Tapas Revolution and Picturehouse Cinema.
7,135 square feet remain available and the smallest suites are 1,200 square feet. Quoting rent is between £12 per sqft and £18.50 per sqft depending on the suite.
There are 6 flex space providers in Chester that offer flexible office space and workspace solutions that act as flexible and less onerous alternatives to renting offices via a lease.
These solutions include fully serviced offices, managed office space, and corporate coworking desk space membership plans.
Profiles of all providers in Chester can be seen in this directory.
We carry out a free office space search and our advisory and acquisition services are also free, always. Our Chester office space brokers and agents are globally regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) ensuring the highest standards of commercial property advice and service at all times. We look forward to helping you find the best office space for rent for your business.
The Office Providers are Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)