£13m Ellesmere Port Market transformation plans approved
Planning permission has been granted for the Ellesmere Port Market transformation, part of a £13m project using funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund.
The application, which was supported by global real estate advisor, Avison Young, is for refurbishment of the existing Market (external alterations) and a change of use of the Flea Market, which will be developed into a flexible event space with pop-up bar facilities.
The external alterations to the building, include new entrance canopies, external cladding, external bin store, installation of solar photovoltaic panels (PV panels) and associated works.
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 support bringing more residents and visitors into the town centre.
The vision is to transform the existing market building by improving the appearance, functionality, and energy efficiency of the building.
Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation welcomed the Planning approval, saying: “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. All the traders will be able to offer their goods and services during and after the works in the transformed Ellesmere Port Market, which people will be able to enjoy for years to come.”
Emily Davies, Associate Director at Avison Young, said: “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.”
The change of use of the Flea Market will allow for a wider range of events to be held there, alongside the current uses, with more backstage areas and a new pop-up bar area, creating a flexible event space.
Adding a welcome boost to the activities available in Ellesmere Port, the proposed opening hours for the Flea Market area are 8am to 10pm. The events in the Flea Market, would not be every day of the week, and events will finish at 10pm – the market would be closed by 11pm following clear up after events.
