Plans have been unveiled for a 300-apartment build-to-rent scheme on the site of the former Linenhall stables in Chester city centre.

Chester Race Company is collaborating with Grainger and UK Land & Property to develop the vacant site located between the racecourse and the city centre.

Formerly occupied by stable blocks, the land has been cleared since 2009 and currently functions as a car park.

The proposed six-storey scheme is set to replace an existing planning consent for student accommodation. According to Chester Race Company, the new residential development will instead target young professionals, couples, and those looking to downsize.

Early engagement is already underway through a pre-application submission with Cheshire West & Chester Council. A formal planning application will be submitted later this year.

With Chester Race Company aiming to create a "more diverse residential offer" for the city, construction could begin in 2027, subject to securing planning approval.

An informal, two-day public consultation was recently held to present the project and gather feedback from local residents and stakeholders. The drop-in event took place in the Leverhulme Stand at the racecourse on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September.

A spokesperson for Chester Race Company explained that the potential development would deliver "high-quality, professionally managed" rental homes to the heart of Chester.

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They added: "The purpose is to meet growing demand from people who want to live in the city centre, close to jobs, amenities and public transport, and aims to create a more diverse residential offer, supporting a broad mix of residents.

"This initiative is a natural extension of our organisational commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the communities in which we operate."