Ellesmere Port residents are being invited to suggest whether the Flea Market space should keep its name or be given a new one when a multi-million-pound transformation is completed.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is embarking on a major revamp of the market hall and the adjoining Flea Market as part of a wider £13 million town centre regeneration project.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said: “We are asking residents and shoppers if they want to keep the Flea Market name, or if they would like to suggest a new name for the Flea Market as part of its transformation into a new event and community space. The existing Flea Market name and a shortlist of suggested names will be put to a final public vote later this year.”

Architects visualisations of how the event space will look at Ellesmere Port Market.

Architect's visualisations of how the event space will look at Ellesmere Port Market.

Work in the market hall will begin early in the new year to enable traders and customers to enjoy uninterrupted trading during Christmas. The market will remain open during the works although stalls will be temporarily relocated to enable the works to take place.

The Flea Market plans include creating a flexible event space to attract a wider range of events, such as visiting markets, music, social and community events, alongside the popular current uses which include second-hand markets, craft fairs and Comic Con events which will continue to be held there.

It will also benefit from new toilet facilities, a stage with sound system and a separate entrance to enable events to be held when the market is closed. It is hoped the new space will attract new visitors to the town centre from within Ellesmere Port and the surrounding area.

Although alternative names are being sought, retaining the Flea Market name is also an option.

Architects visualisations of how the event space will look at Ellesmere Port Market.

Architect's visualisations of how the event space will look at Ellesmere Port Market.

Names can be suggested via the Ellesmere Port Market website www.ellesmereport.market/name-the-flea-market/ until 14 October, thereafter a short-list of names will be made available for a final public vote.

The next event taking place at the Flea Market will be the popular Comic Con being held on October 26.

The market and Flea Market transformation project has received funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. The project will transform Ellesmere Port Market, prepare for low carbon town centre housing around Coronation Road and create a new walking, wheeling and cycling route to bring more residents and visitors into the town centre.