If planning approval is granted for the £60m first phase, works on the essential services to support the development will start on site during October.
Vinci is the preferred contractor to deliver the council-funded city centre development.
This will include a modern market, six-screen cinema, restaurants, a public square and car parking.
The Chester Northgate Scheme will be built over two phases of construction to deliver around 400,000 sq ft of new retail, restaurant and leisure facilities.