Chapman Taylor has developed a visionary adaptive reuse concept for the Pepper Street multistorey car park in the historic heart of Chester, transforming the underused 1960s structure into a vibrant social and leisure destination.

Located within the city’s conservation area, close to the Newgate and Nine Houses, the site occupies a prominent position at the edge of Chester’s Roman walls, one of the UK’s most visited heritage cities, attracting over 8 million visitors annually.

The proposal, prepared for Pepper Street Collective – A Social Space, reimagines the redundant car park as an innovative food, beverage, and event venue that celebrates the city’s identity while supporting local enterprise and tourism.

Chapman Taylor has developed a visionary adaptive reuse concept for the Pepper Street multistorey car park in the historic heart of Chester, transforming the underused 1960s structure into a vibrant social and leisure destination.

Located within the city’s conservation area, close to the Newgate and Nine Houses, the site occupies a prominent position at the edge of Chester’s Roman walls — one of the UK’s most visited heritage cities, attracting over 8 million visitors annually.

The proposal, prepared for Pepper Street Collective – A Social Space, reimagines the redundant car park as an innovative food, beverage, and event venue that celebrates the city’s identity while supporting local enterprise and tourism.

A place to meet, eat, drink, and be entertained

The design envisions a multi-level rooftop destination crafted from recycled shipping containers, locally sourced timber, and green landscaping, creating a flexible environment that encourages community engagement and wellbeing.
Spaces include cabanas, open seating areas, and adaptable zones for pop-up events, mini golf, and live performances — all designed to foster social connection and promote sustainable tourism.

Respecting Chester’s heritage

Given its sensitive location, the scheme adopts a contextual approach that balances modern activation with historic integrity. Key considerations include privacy, safety, and noise management, ensuring harmony with neighbouring residential properties and the wider cityscape.

Designed for all seasons and all people

The proposed space is designed to be accessible for all users and operable year-round, with 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.

Breathing new life into an iconic structure

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 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 fresh destination for the community,” said [Chapman Taylor Director’s Name].

Respecting Chester’s heritage

Given its sensitive location, the scheme adopts a contextual approach that balances modern activation with historic integrity. Key considerations include privacy, safety, and noise management, ensuring harmony with neighbouring residential properties and the wider cityscape.

Designed for all seasons and all people

The proposed space is designed to be accessible for all users and operable year-round, with 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.

Breathing new life into an iconic structure

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 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 fresh destination for the community,” said Chapman Taylor Associate Director Paul Graham.