New plans have been submitted to redevelop the long-vacant former Quicks site in Chester city centre.

Two planning applications have been lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council for the prominent Lower Bridge Street site, which has stood largely unused since dealership group Quicks vacated the premises in 2007.

With proposals including six townhouses, new retail space and a multi-storey car park, the applications have been submitted by locally-based developer and entrepreneur Adam Thwaites.

The site, which extends to almost 48,000 sq ft across three floors and includes rooftop parking, has been marketed for sale for around 18 months through commercial property agents Legat Owen.

The redevelopment would be delivered in two phases, with the first focusing on the former car showroom fronting Lower Bridge Street, and the second concerning the rear section of the site facing Duke Street.

Under the plans, the existing showroom building would be converted into a multi-storey car park and retail space.

Planning documents state that parking capacity would be increased from 68 spaces to 150, while creating two retail units offering a combined 6,326 sq ft of floorspace.

The second application seeks permission to demolish a redundant rear extension and construct a bespoke terrace of six three-bedroom townhouses fronting Duke Street. Each property would have two off-street parking spaces.

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Planning documents describe the housing element as a "high-quality" development, that would enhance the Duke Street streetscape through "sympathetic design and materials reflective of the Conservation Area".

Applicants argue the scheme would make a "meaningful contribution" to housing delivery, while reducing pressure for development on greenfield and green belt land.

Documents also state that removing a "redundant and visually poor section of the existing building" would improve the appearance and character of this part of Chester's Conservation Area.

The design and access statement reads: "The site's current condition detracts from the visual quality of the street, and without intervention, the building will continue to deteriorate further."

Planning consultants say the scheme has been designed to balance Chester's historic character with modern development requirements, preserving key townscape views while remaining in keeping with the materials and appearance of Duke Street.

The latest proposals follow earlier redevelopment ambitions for the site by Steve Morgan's Bridgemere group. In 2018, plans were submitted for a 48-apartment scheme, although the application was never determined and was later withdrawn

You can find the application here.