Market Transformation
We’re creating a new market fit for the future, a proper market – a place to meet, shop and eat.
Approximately £8.5 million is currently being spent to help enhance and transform the market. Plans include radically improving its external appearance, thermal efficiency plus upgrading the entrances and interior, with the aim of helping to future-proof the market for many more years to come
The Flea Market space will become a new destination for events and activities and will have a significant make-over also. This will increase the number and range of events that can be held to attract more visitors to the town centre from across Ellesmere Port and the surrounding area.
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.
Support our traders
During the transformation works, there are some changes to the entrances and temporary relocation of stalls. Please bear with us while the works take place, follow the external signs to the nearest entrance and internal signs will be available throughout the market to help you find our traders in their temporary locations.
The market transformation will include some reconfiguration of the interior to improve movement around stalls to make it easier to find your way with a new colour scheme and new seating areas.
Other improvements will include installing WiFi, entrepreneurial and co-working spaces, allocated areas for community and youth activities, a relocated children’s play area and new fully accessible toilets.
Blending the past with the future
Improvements to the outside of the building involve cladding the external facades with durable non-combustible material. The bright new exterior and interior colour scheme has been inspired by a 1970s Vauxhall colour chart, linking the market to the nearby Stellantis factory. The exterior colours are based on ‘Sunspot’ warm yellow for the market entrance canopy and ‘Tasman Orange’ for the flea market entrances.
The entrance to the market will be improved with outdoor spaces for seating and events, a separate Flea Market entrance, and secure cycle parking.
Making the building more energy efficient is a key part of the plans, this includes the installation of solar panels on the roof, low energy lighting and increased insulation within the new external cladding.
The market transformation is part of a £13 million project using funding from the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The project will transform Ellesmere Port Market, prepare for low carbon town centre housing around Coronation Road and Civic Way plus create a new walking, wheeling and cycling routes to help bring more residents and visitors into the town centre.
Details about the project and wider improvements to the town centre are available via the following links: building new homes and Active Travel routes.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Council investing in the Market?
Ellesmere Port Market is cherished by the community; it’s why the Council is investing over £8m in transforming it. This is the biggest investment in the town centre for decades and recognises that traders and visitors have been calling for improvements. The investment by the Council will create a market ready for the future where current and future traders can thrive.
Markets are important to the communities they serve, and at a time where other councils are withdrawing from markets due to funding pressures, this Council remains committed to them and to Ellesmere Port.
Why can’t there be free parking around the Market?
Parking charges in Ellesmere Port town centre are part of a broader strategy to support sustainable transport, manage demand, and reinvest in local infrastructure. The current rate of £1 remains competitive compared to many other town centres and is designed to encourage turnover of spaces, making it easier for shoppers to find parking near businesses
While Cheshire Oaks offers free parking, it operates on a different commercial model. Ellesmere Port town centre is a mixed-use area with a focus on supporting independent traders, public services, and community spaces. Parking revenue helps maintain and improve these facilities, including safety, lighting, and accessibility.
We understand the perception that parking charges may deter visitors. However, evidence from similar towns shows that modest charges do not significantly reduce footfall when paired with a vibrant retail and leisure offer. The Council has taken steps to keep charges low and introduced phased increases to avoid disruption during key trading periods
Have traders been involved in the refurbishment plans?
Yes, the redevelopment works and have been carefully planned to minimise their impact on traders and customers and enable the market to remain open. Extensive signage is in place to make it clear the market is open.
The market project team meet with traders regularly and ensure trading is able to continue with as little disruption as possible. The team have worked closely with traders to design the best possible temporary trading arrangements, listening to their feedback and keeping the market open throughout the works.
Why is the market in a small space?
The internal market refurbishment is being undertaken in two halves. Currently the market is operating out of roughly half the overall floorspace while the other half is being refurbished, this may be why it feels small. In the new year, we will be swapping over so that the current market space can be refurbished.
However, once the refurbishment is completed the overall floorspace available in the market will be almost identical to its original size, including the refurbished Flea Market. We will also be launching a recruitment campaign to attract new traders to take up some of the vacant stalls.
