Chapman Taylor designs adaptive reuse concept for Chester’s Pepper Street Car Park
Chapman Taylor has developed an adaptive reuse concept for the Pepper Street multistorey car park in the historic heart of Chester, transforming the outdated / underused structure into a vibrant social and innovative leisure destination.
Existing multistorey car park and proposed design concept
Chester is one of the UK’s most visited heritage cities, attracting over 8 million visitors annually. Located within the city’s conservation area, close to the Newgate and Nine Houses, the site occupies a prominent position flanking the famous Roman City Walls and Roman Amphitheatre.
The proposal was developed with Grosvenor Estates and iKO Projects and reimagines the 1960’s car park as an innovative food, beverage, and event venue that celebrates the city’s identity while supporting local enterprise and tourism.
The early design concept envisioned a multi-level rooftop leisure destination crafted from recycled shipping containers and locally sourced timber, creating a flexible environment that encourages community engagement and social wellbeing.
Rooftop Social Club has now been trading successfully for a year and includes covered seating cabanas, open seating areas, and adaptable zones for pop-up events throughout the year, all designed to foster social connection and promote sustainable tourism.
Given its sensitive location, the scheme adopts a contextual approach that balances modern activation with historic integrity. Key considerations at design stage included privacy, safety, and noise management, ensuring harmony with the wider cityscape.
The innovative space is designed to be accessible for all users and operable year-round with a feature retractable roof, weather-resilient materials and inclusive layouts. Engagement with local artists, independent businesses, and trades lies at the core of the concept, ensuring the project contributes meaningfully to Chester’s local economy and creative community.
By repurposing an existing building rather than demolishing it, the proposal embodies Chapman Taylor’s commitment to Responsible Design, extending the life of the structure, reducing embodied carbon and creating a new focal point for visitors and residents alike.
“Pepper Street multistorey offers an extraordinary opportunity to unlock the hidden potential of a familiar landmark. Our adaptive reuse approach transforms an outdated structure into a sustainable social hub that celebrates Chester’s heritage while providing a unique destination for the community,” said Chapman Taylor Associate Director Paul Graham.