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Unique city.
Big opportunities.
Welcome to Chester
A city like no other, Chester is one of the best places to live, learn, work and visit in the UK, and offers outstanding opportunities for growth and investment.
Combining rich heritage and cultural assets with a forward-looking entrepreneurial culture and established sector strengths in financial and professional services, net-zero, renewable energy and manufacturing; we are strategically located in north west England bordering north Wales with excellent transport links.
Chester has been judged the world's most beautiful city, according to studies focused on the 'golden ratio’ of its architecture.
InvestChester offers unrivalled support to bring your ambitions to reality.
Why Chester
Major and varied investment opportunities
From large regeneration projects such as Northgate Phase Two and City Gateway to numerous smaller scale and unique sites. The city centre has been rejuvenated by the award-winning leisure and market Northgate Phase 1 scheme; this has helped unlock fresh opportunities for premium retail, commercial, residential and re-purposing.
Strategically located at the heart of the north west
Within easy reach of both Manchester and Liverpool city centres, north Wales and two international airports; and a population of over 5.6 million all in under one hour’s drive, plus excellent motorway links and London less than 2 hours away by rail. Chester also benefits from an aspirational AB demographic, with attainment and economic activity rates higher than regional and national averages.
Global cultural destination with 2,000 years of history
A singular and compact heritage city with over 27m visitors per year. Roman city walls and amphitheatre, historic cathedral, racecourse and unique 800 year-old tiered Rows shopping galleries. A pioneering Storyhouse cultural centre, the most visited zoo in the UK and award-winning market, food and retail destinations make Chester a truly distinctive city for both residents and visitors alike.
A liveable city with exceptional quality of life
With a thriving food and drink scene and a high street voted as 2nd best in the country, Chester retains its place as one of the best places to live in the UK. Recently described by Muddy Stilettos as “one of the north’s greatest under-the-radar cities; or those who crave urbane living without all the rush rush rush of the kingpin cities, Chester has a knack for bringing all the fun stuff whilst feeling small, interesting and tranquil.”
Key sector strengths in finance, services, manufacturing and net-zero
Strong financial expertise including Bank of America, M&S Bank and Virgin Money and knowledge-based legal, accounting and creative services clustered in the city centre and Chester Business Park. The UK’s leading net zero zone is in nearby Origin in Ellesmere Port alongside major manufacturers such as Airbus, Vauxhall-Stellantis and EET Fuels within a 10-mile radius and close proximity to a growing life science sector.
World-class university with over 14,000 students
A proud university city with key strengths in health, law, business and digital. Awarded the silver award for University of the Year in the 2024 Student Choice Awards and Business School of the Year in the Educate North Awards, recognised for its contribution to Cheshire’s economic growth. Over 80% of graduates also aspire to remain in the area after completing their studies.