New Chester Market wins Best Social Space Award

Chester Market has picked up another award, this time at the 21st Northern Design Awards for Commercial Interior Design – Best Social Space.

The awards took place in the spectacular setting of Chester Cathedral and were judged by the North’s leading interior designers, architects and industry experts; the criteria for the award were to recognise social spaces that can play a vital role in bringing people together, and serve as a vibrant hub where individuals gather, interact, and cultivate a sense of community.

The judges praised the Council for its vision and commitment to delivering the new market which has made an extraordinary contribution to the life of the city, encouraging diversity through the breadth of its offering and is a space to be very proud of.

Cheshire West and Chester Council worked with AHR Architects and Cascade Productions to realise the new market and the fit-out contractor was Medlock FRB.

The market covers 36,000 sq ft; its 35 stalls have been constructed from sixty tonnes of solid oak timber beams expertly crafted to create a warm and tactile environment which combines beauty with functionality.

With large glass curtain walls to the north and south sides of the building, coupled with a naturally lit central atrium ensures the market is an open and airy space by day and at night different moods can be created via the bespoke LED lighting system.

Five seating areas with over 400 seats offer customers a range of options from communal tables to a smaller scale Market Garden area, tiered seating, outdoor seating along Princess Street and more intimate seating booths in the Mini Market area overlooking Hunter Street.

In a separate category, Northgate was a finalist in the Best Commercial Build award.

Michael Dunn, Associate at AHR Architects said:

“As the designers of Chester Market, winning Best Social Space at the Northern Design Awards is a testament to the power of collaborative design.

“Seeing the market bustling with visitors has been a joy over the year since it has opened; this award not only recognises the creative vision of the project but also celebrates the collective energy that has made Chester Market a true social hub.”

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“Hot on the heels of the Market’s first birthday and reaching 2 million visits, this award is especially welcome as it recognises how the new market’s design has created a welcoming and accessible space for people of different ages and backgrounds to enjoy.

“Markets are all about experiences - banter with traders and enjoying the hustle and bustle of a wide range of goods on sale and food and drinks being served. Markets are unique destinations which act as the antidote to online shopping and self-checkouts without human interaction.”

Chester Market is also hoping to win Britain’s Favourite Market award, this is open to anyone to vote until 15 December at:

 https://nabma.com/vote-for-britains-favourite-market-2024/

Pictured - An interior view of the Market.