Ellesmere Port transformation plan to improve pedestrian and cycle links

Plans for a new pedestrian and cycle link are being shared in Ellesmere Port this week. 

As a part of the Ellesmere Port Town Centre Levelling Up Fund, there will be improved links for walking, wheeling, and cycling, plus new cycle parking.

There is funding secured to construct an improved cycling, walking and wheeling route from the rail station to Ellesmere Port Market. In addition, funding from Active Travel England has allowed for design extensions to the route, as far as the M53 underpass and Stanney Lane Junction. 

Councillor Karen Shore – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways said: “The design team is now looking forward to hearing the views of everyone who walks, cycles and wheels around Ellesmere Port plus residents along the routes and local businesses.

“There is a short survey available online or you can meet the team at Ellesmere Port railway station and the market to learn more. We want to know your views on which route you prefer for walking, wheeling and cycling.

“The survey will run until the beginning of November, but the wider project plans will be available to see online and in pop up exhibitions. 

“We are committed to improving areas across the borough, Ellesmere Port joins projects already underway in Winsford and plans for Northwich and Chester.”

The design team is proposing two route choices, one along Cromwell Road and one along Whitby Road. They have considered all transport methods, including bus stops and loading requirements for businesses. The two choices have looked at the requirements for the market, as well as opportunities for signage and wayfinding. The new proposals will tie into existing cycling and walking routes such as those on Stanney Lane.

To find out more, the project team will be at Ellesmere Port train station between 8.30am and 9.30am on Thursday 19 October, Thursday 26 October, Thursday 2 November and Ellesmere Port Market between 10am and 4pm.

Transformation plans are progressing well. The £13 million project uses funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund to prepare for low carbon town centre housing around Coronation Road to help bring new footfall to the town centre and exciting plans for Ellesmere Port Market. 

The project will include enhancements to the public areas around the market in addition to York Road and Wellington Road. Improvements will be made to the pedestrian entrances to the market plus a new multi-functional spill-out space for businesses and events. 

Traders and residents have been involved in conversations over the past few months as the plans for the Market are developed and these will be shared more widely when they have been completed.

This part of the project will include transforming the flea market into a flexible space for specialist markets and events, creating an entrepreneurial start up space and importantly changing the fabric of the building so that it will be much more energy efficient and fit for the future. The Market will also have new ‘changing place’ facilities for disabled customers and their carers.

To have your say on the plans for Ellesmere Port click HERE.