Market plans go on view for Ellesmere Port transformation

The plans are set to "improve the appearance and thermal efficiency of the market hall, support local market traders and help future-proof Ellesmere Port Market for many more years to come".  

The Ellesmere Port project includes enhancements to the public areas around the market. 

Improvements will be made to the pedestrian entrances to the market and link with the new active travel route being developed.

Shoppers and residents can see the plans for the market in a display at the market from this week (November 2).

Shoppers will see a "bold and modern facelift to the market that includes new landscaping at the entrance whilst the enhanced flea market area will get a new entry".

Artist impression Market stalls (Image: Cheshire West and Chester Council)

Traders and residents have been involved in conversations over the past few months as the plans for the Market have been developed.

In addition to the existing stalls, new areas inside the market will be created to provide more uses for the building.

The flea market will be transformed into a "flexible space for specialist markets and events, complete with a new entrance and the opportunity to run the area either as part of the wider market or run events at times that the main market is closed".

In the main market the plans include a new youth area, enterprise area, improved dining space, plus new ‘changing place’ facilities for disabled customers and their carers.

Visitors to the market can also see the plans for a new pedestrian and cycle link that are on display.

The project will construct an improved cycling, walking and wheeling route from the rail station to Ellesmere Port Market.

Part of the £13m project

The market work is part of a £13 million project using funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund.

The project will transform the Ellesmere Port Market, prepare for low carbon town centre housing around Coronation Road to help bring new footfall to the town centre and create a new walking, wheeling and cycling route.  

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said: "Our market traders have shaped the plans for an enhanced Ellesmere Port market that retains all the existing stalls whilst creating an even better space for everyone.

"The design team have identified what works well and what is popular, including areas like the dining area which will stay at the heart of the market but with improved facilities. The children’s play area is part of the plans, but there will be a new space for young people as well.

"Markets provide a perfect opportunity for new business ideas to be tested and grow, and the new look market will provide more opportunities for this.

"The flea market area will become a far more flexible space to be used for more events like the popular Comic Con and specialist markets, and will be able to extend its opening hours into the evening."

To find out more, the project team will be at Ellesmere Port Market on Thursday 2 and Thursday 9 November between 10am and 4pm.

The plans can also be seen online at: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/regeneration-of-west-cheshire/ellesmere-port-regeneration/transforming-the-market-hall

The consultation runs from November 1 to November 12 2023.

All feedback received will be carefully considered and any necessary amendments to the proposals will be made before they are finalised.

A planning application for the proposed development will be made in December 2023.