When will the work start to transform the market?
Work started in May 2024 to remove the white canopy above the market entrance. The main works are expected to commence during spring 2025 and take approximately a year to complete.
Will the market remain open during the works?
Yes, when work starts on the market interior there will be some relocation of stalls – see Find the Traders page. Also follow the market on social media for details of which stalls are being temporarily moved and where they will be.
Please bear with us while the works take place, follow the signs to the nearest entrance as we will have to make some temporary changes to the layout of the market.
Will traders be supported during the works?
Yes, we are working with all our existing traders to support them through the process so that they can benefit from the investment to help sustain and grow what is a thriving and popular market. We also want to attract new traders to widen the choice of goods and foods available, whilst keeping its role as a ‘proper’ market and a place to meet.
How is the work being funded?
In early 2023, the Council successfully secured £13.3m from the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government Levelling Up Fund. Combined with additional Council match-funding, we will be investing £14.8m in the town centre over the next two years. The project has three core elements:
• Transformation of Ellesmere Port Market
• Improved walking, wheeling, cycling links and public spaces
• Prepare and bring forward sites for new low-carbon housing.
The project aims to break the cycle of town centre decline by generating more footfall and spending power into the heart of the town centre and by investment in low carbon infrastructure, to help mitigate against climate change and rising energy costs.
Why is the Council investing in the town centre
Although benefitting from a strong industrial base including Stellantis and Essar, and the opportunity locally for industrial growth on a global stage by becoming one of the first Net Zero Carbon Industrial clusters via the Origin project; the town centre still suffers from poor 1960s urban design and high retail vacancy levels.
Sadly, many people only visit for supermarket shopping and residents have told us they are dissatisfied with what the town centre currently offers and want to see new amenities, new activities, more events and improved local housing.
This project aims to address many of these issues and work is expected to begin during 2024 and be completed in late 2026.
Where will the funding be invested?
