Barr Construction joined Chester MP Stephen Mosley and local Mayor Bob Rudd at the opening of the new flagship Waitrose in Boughton. The new supermarket signifies one of the biggest investments the retailer has made in a single store.
The new superstore anchors the Renaissance redevelopment scheme in the city and provides Chester residents with one of Waitrose’s most high profile stores in the UK.
The 29,000 sq ft store is clad in bronze rainscreen with glazed north and south entrance lobbies. Hard paving materials such as granite, sandstone and red sandstone were used to complement the existing vernacular.
The new Waitrose was built with local materials and used alternative construction techniques which minimise carbon emissions, such as expanded polystyrene voidformer in lieu of piled foundations.
Barr Construction also delivered piazza style public realm areas, planted trees across the site and installed a new bridge spanning the Shropshire Union canal.
Derek Simpson, operations manager at Barr Construction, said: “This is the second Waitrose we have handled all construction and fit out activity for and it is a project we’re tremendously proud of.
“The Chester store is not only a flagship project for Waitrose but acts as a fantastic showcase for what can be achieved when creating a new superstore.
“The quality of the finishes and use of natural materials makes this store unique and we are sure it will become a much loved resource for the local community in Chester and beyond.”
An extended range of products and services are now available to Chester shoppers alongside a new café, wine and beer bar and a fresh bakery. The store also features a Waitrose juice bar, offering freshly squeezed juices and smoothies.
Dickie Danby, branch manager at Waitrose Chester said: “Chester will be a flagship store for Waitrose, delivering the very latest services that the brand has to offer.
“It represents a significant investment from Waitrose in Chester and we are excited to expand our presence in the city and look forward to providing our shoppers with a fantastic new branch.”