Work to start on £8.5m Ellesmere Port Market revamp

Next week the white canopy above the entrance will be removed as progress gets going on the major transformation.

This kickstart to the redevelopment is expected to take up to five days from May 13, during which the market entrance facing Asda will be closed for safety reasons, Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed.

Some stalls will be relocated when interior work starts, which includes creating a flexible event space in the flea market to attract a wider range of events to be held there.

The external facades of the building will be cladded with durable non-combustible material. Bright orange and yellow colours are being used to pick out the entrances which are being redesigned to improve accessibility.

A drive towards increased energy efficiency will see the installation of PV panels and mechanical ventilation equipment on the building’s roof.

The canopy on Ellesmere Port Market is to be torn down as revamp work gets under way. Credit: CWAC

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation said: “Removing the old canopy marks the start of the transformation works at Ellesmere Port Market.

“Some of the traders will need to move temporarily to accommodate the works, but all will be able to trade with the market remaining open throughout. I hope people continue to visit Ellesmere Port Market and support the market traders throughout the works.

“The main entrance has to be closed for safety reasons whilst the canopy work takes place, but the Port Arcades, both flea market entrances and York Road entrances will remain open.”

Several parking spaces in front of the market will be temporarily unavailable while the canopy work takes place but alternative spaces, including additional disabled spaces, are being made available nearby.

The £8.5m revamp is being funded mostly by CWAC’s £13.4m award from the government’s levelling up fund. The council has committed a further £1.4m to the scheme.

A display has also been set up in the market to show details about the project along with wider town centre improvements and active travel routes.

Low-carbon town centre housing around Coronation Road as well as the creation of walking, wheeling, and cycling routes form part of the wider £13m project.

AHR Architects has designed the market scheme, while Avison Young and G&T are also on the project team.

To view the plans, search for application number 23/03910/FUL on CWAC’s planning portal.