Consultation underway for £8.5m Ellesmere Port Market revamp
Cheshire West and Chester Council are looking to modernise the flea market, adding space for events and coworking, as well as improving the building’s energy efficiency credentials.
CWAC has recruited AHR Architects to design their £8.5m proposals, which are to be submitted for planning permission in December. Currently, the council is soliciting public feedback on their ambitions. The consultation, which runs until 12 November, can be accessed at cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/regeneration-of-west-cheshire/ellesmere-port-regeneration/transforming-the-market-hall.
The market hall will continue have space for the traders and the flea market. It will have dedicated areas for family seating, youth activities, and children’s play.
There would also be more windows created, to allow more natural light. Continuing on the illumination theme, solar panels are to be installed on the roof to provide sustainable energy for the hall. The building’s insulation would also be increased.
The proposals also include improved public toilets and a Changing Places toilet.
Cyclists would be able to take advantage of more secured cycle storage spaces.
CWAC cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration, and digital transformation Cllr Nathan Pardoe said: “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.
Pardoe continued: “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.”
If planning permission can be secured, work on the reimagined market could start in May 2024, with an eye towards a summer 2025 completion.
Avison Young is the planning consultant for the scheme, with G&T providing project management services.
Funding for the project largely comes from CWAC’s £13.4m award from the government’s Levelling Up Fund. The council has also committed to contributing £1.4m.
Click any image to launch gallery. All images from consultation documents.
It needs all joining together – link ups and adverts in Cheshire Oaks, whats on at the boat museum – foodie market linking with maybe a steam punk or real ale fest at the boat museum. Keep it all going.
By Anon