A ‘UNIQUE’ development opportunity in Barons Quay has come available, with the potential for apartments above a pub or restaurant.

The pump house site between H&M and the Odeon is being advertised for sale by chartered surveyors Fifield Glyn for INOVYN.

The site includes two vacant buildings on the eastern bank of the River Weaver near River Park, but not the apparently-defunct storm balancing tanks or pumping station near the Odeon.

John Tackley, president of the River Weaver Navigation Society, said: “I took the opportunity to go and have a look around it, because it has a lot of potential.

“I think it is the one thing that is going to save Barons Quay.

“That is the site that will bring back to the town the river usage that it desperately needs.”

Fifield Glyn is looking to attract offers over £500,000 for the freehold half-acre site, with any future development subject to gaining planning permission.

The opportunity presented to potential developers is a 278sq m ground floor pub or restaurant, with 13 apartments – including a penthouse – spread over four storeys.

When funding for Barons Quay was announced by the then Conservative-run Cheshire West and Chester Council, the RWNS ran a survey of 450 people in which the river was named as top priority.

The society feels that was ignored, and this represents a chance to turn it around.

Mr Tackley said: “It’s the only bit of riverside left available in the Barons Quay complex.

"All we want is to see is a virile, active, prosperous river. If that comes, the town’s prosperity follows.”

The description said: “The 0.49 acre site together with two vacant buildings [is] adjacent to the new Barons Quay shopping centre with 900 space car park and Odeon cinema complex in the centre of the town fronting directly onto the River Weaver.

“Approximate population within 30 minute drive is 300,000.”