Work begins in Ellesmere Port to regenerate town centre

Work on Ellesmere Port’s £13 million town centre regeneration project is ramping up this month as progress is made on three key areas: the transformation of Ellesmere Port Market, the development of active travel routes, and the preparation of sites for new housing.

The £8 million refurbishment of Ellesmere Port Market is well underway, with temporary stalls being set up to ensure traders can continue operating while work is carried out. The redevelopment will introduce a modern building façade, solar panels, upgraded toilets, improved seating, free public WiFi, and a reconfigured layout to enhance the shopping experience. A new events space in the Flea Market area and an outdoor alfresco area with landscaping, cycle parking, and additional seating will also be added.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, interim Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said:

“I am delighted that we’ve reached this milestone for the transformation of Ellesmere Port town centre. It’s the biggest investment in the town centre in decades, made possible by Cheshire West & Chester Council. It will create a new market, new active travel routes and get sites ready for quality new homes for local people.

“Although disruption is inevitable with work like this, Ellesmere Port Market and the wider town centre will remain open throughout. Please continue to support your favourite traders and businesses as we make progress with the works.”

To accommodate phase one of the redevelopment, some main entrances from the car park and Port Arcades will be temporarily closed for approximately 60 weeks. Clear signage will guide visitors to alternative entrances, ensuring accessibility. Regular updates on the progress of the project can be found on the newly launched Ellesmere Port Market website.

In addition to the market transformation, work on new active travel routes will commence at the end of March. These improvements will provide better walking, wheeling, and cycling connections between Ellesmere Port railway station and the town centre. A cycle route will be introduced along Cromwell Road, featuring speed humps, signage, and a new 20mph speed limit. A roundabout at the junction of Cromwell Road and Wellington Road North will enhance cyclist safety and accessibility to the market.

Further improvements include a new signalised pedestrian crossing at the Whitby Road/Cromwell Road junction, upgraded side road crossings, and enhanced kerbs with tactile paving and dropped kerbs. Wellington Road South will also see the introduction of a 20mph speed limit, a new toucan crossing, and a zebra crossing to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The third phase of the project focuses on creating new low-carbon housing, with the demolition of the former Council offices on Civic Way scheduled to begin in April. The complex work will be carried out safely and sustainably, with the site secured, non-structural elements removed for recycling, and measures in place to minimize noise and dust. Work will take place Monday to Friday (8am–6pm) and Saturdays (8am–1pm), with no activity permitted on Sundays or bank holidays.

The Ellesmere Port Town Centre regeneration project is backed by £13.3 million in government funding from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Once complete, these major improvements will create a more modern, accessible, and sustainable town centre, enhancing quality of life for residents and attracting further investment into the area.