Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced that it has been successful in its bid to secure a portion of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, as it looks to support transformation and increase housing.
The transformation of Ellesmere Port market hall, as well as the development of underused sites in the town centre for use as new housing will be supported by £13.3 million allocated from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
New housing sites will not only make the area more attractive to live in, but will also increase footfall in the town centre. This will be coupled with plans to update the market hall, including transforming the flea market into a space for specialist markets and events. The project also includes ideas to physically change the fabric of the building to ensure it is more sustainable and energy efficient moving forward.
Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy and Regeneration, Cllr Richard Beacham, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that our plans for Ellesmere Port have received this funding. It was a very competitive process, but we made a strong case for the need to invest in the town centre, alongside the private sector investment in industry and housing in the wider area.
“Combined with £1.5 million invested by the Council, there is now £14.8 million secured for Ellesmere Port. I would like to thank everyone who helped shape the proposals and backed our submission. The detailed plans are still at any early stage, and over the coming months we will work closely with market traders, residents and businesses to progress these plans.”
Changing place facilities will also be provided for disabled customers and their carers, as well as improvements to pedestrian and cycle links in the centre to ensure safer active travel routes.
