Ellesmere Port Market’s £8.5m overhaul sails to approval

Cheshire West and Chester Council was supported by Avison Young in plotting the external refurbishment of the existing venue, and changing the use of the Flea Market.

The latter will be developed into a flexible event space with pop-up bar facilities.

As expected, CWAC’s planning committee granted permission for the authority’s venue transformation proposals with work to start soon and expected to run into next year. The market will remain open while work takes place.

Designs for the project were put together by AHR Architects while Gardiner & Theobold is providing project management services, for the reshaping of the 68,000 sq ft venue.

Finance for the development has been drawn from £13 million awarded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund.

In addition to the market overhaul, low carbon town centre housing around Coronation Road is being prepared along with the creation of a new walking, wheeling and cycling route.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation welcomed the decision.

He said: “Planning approval is a major milestone for the council’s plans to improve and future proof Ellesmere Port Market. The improvements will make the market even better than it is today, with space for all the traders to stay in the transformed market.

“Disruption during the works is unavoidable but will be kept to a minimum, with the market remaining open throughout the works which will continue into 2025.”

Emily Davies, associate director at Avison Young, added: “It’s fantastic that the transformation of the Ellesmere Port Market has been given the go-ahead, enabling the council and partners to create a space that is truly fit for purpose, and reflects the needs of the people who live and work in the area, providing much improved amenities and infrastructure.

“This project marks a significant step in support of the wider regeneration of Ellesmere Port, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

The changes to the Flea Market will allow a wider range of events to be held there.

Ellesmere Port’s heritage has been incorporated into the external colour scheme, inspired by a Vauxhall colour chart used between 1971-1974 in a nod to the nearby factory.

Colours based on ‘Sunspot’ warm yellow have been chosen for the market entrance and ‘Tasman Orange’ will decorate the flea market entrances, alongside black and pale grey cladding. To see the plans, search for application number 23/03910/FUL on CWAC’s planning portal.