Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Planning Committee has granted permission for the Ellesmere Port Market transformation plans (Tuesday 12 March).
The application is for refurbishment of the existing Market (external alterations) and a change of use of the Flea Market, which will be developed into a flexible event space with pop-up bar facilities. The external alterations to the building, include new entrance canopies, external cladding, external bin store, installation of solar photovoltaic panels (PV panels) and associated works.
The market transformation is part of a £13 million project using funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund. The project will transform Ellesmere Port Market, prepare for low carbon town centre housing around Coronation Road and create a new walking, wheeling and cycling route to support bringing more residents and visitors into the town centre.
The vision is to transform the existing market building by improving the appearance, functionality, and energy efficiency of the building.
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation welcomed the Planning approval: “Planning approval is a major milestone for the Council’s plans to improve and future proof Ellesmere Port Market. The improvements will make the market even better than it is today, with space for all the traders to stay in the transformed market.
“I’d like to thank all the market traders, shoppers, and residents who have shaped the plans for the market. The changes will provide a better space for Ellesmere Port’s traditional market offer to thrive, and something that traders and visitors can be proud of.
“Disruption during the works is unavoidable but will be kept to a minimum, with the market remaining open throughout the works which will continue into 2025. All the traders will be able to offer their goods and services during and after the works in the transformed Ellesmere Port Market, which people will be able to enjoy for years to come.”
The change of use of the Flea Market will allow for a wider range of events to be held there, alongside the current uses, with more backstage areas and a new pop-up bar area, creating a flexible event space.
Improvements to the outside of the building involve cladding the external facades with durable non-combustible material. This cladding will be coloured differently to differentiate the market from the Flea Market. There will be new canopies and improvements to the existing entrances to improve accessibility, with bright colours (‘Sunspot’ warm yellow and ‘Tasman Orange’) to highlight the entrances.
The colours have been inspired by Ellesmere Port’s industrial history in car manufacturing. The bright external colour scheme uses colours from the Vauxhall colour chart used between 1971-1974, linking the market to the nearby factory.
Making the building more energy efficient is a key part of the plans, that includes the installation of PV panels and mechanical ventilation equipment on the roof of the building.
Adding a welcome boost to the activities available in Ellesmere Port, the proposed opening hours for the Flea Market area are 8am to 10pm. The events in the Flea Market, would not be every day of the week, and events will finish at 10pm, (the market would be closed by 11pm following clear up after events). As work progresses, there will be updated information displayed in the market with additional information being shared online.