£10M of infrastructure works at an industrial eco-park near Ellesmere Port have got underway.

Construction has now started on the second phase of works at Peel L&P Environmental’s flagship strategic energy and resource hub, Protos.

The works will provide road access for the new energy recovery facility to be operated by Covanta, and enable the second phase of plots at the site in Grinsome Road, Ince, be brought forward for development.

The infrastructure work is being undertaken by Sisk and is due to be completed in early 2022.

It includes:

  • New access roads to adoptable standards
  • New nature areas to create habitats for wading birds and water voles
  • Two new bridges
  • Upgrading the existing canal berth onto the Manchester Ship Canal
  • Water supply to phase two plots
  • New service infrastructure

Jayne Hennessy, development manager at Peel L&P Environmental, said: “We’re investing £10m in the next phase of infrastructure works at Protos, which also includes three new nature areas to support local wildlife.

"Sitting right in the heart of the North West industrial cluster, Protos is already playing an important role in the region’s net zero ambitions with low carbon energy generation.

"We’re also looking at future-proofing the site by designing routes for other energy technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and heat networks.”

Dave Hill, regional director at Sisk, added: “John Sisk are delighted to secure the contract award for 'Protos Phase 2'. We have been working closely with Peel for almost two years to help develop this scheme and ensure the project commences.

"It is an important scheme to help encourage further development and investment into the North West Region and we are delighted to be part of these plans.

"Sisk has a long running relationship with the Peel Group and this contract is a continuation of this collaboration.”

Phase one of infrastructure works at Protos were completed in December 2016 and included the upgrading and widening of Grinsome Road, improvements to the roundabout on Pool Lane, installation of phase one estate roads, the creation of two nature areas, and the diversion and upgrade of the Marsh Lane bridleway which provides public access through the site.

Protos is one of the key projects driving forward Net Zero North West – the industry led industrial cluster which is aiming to develop the UK’s first low carbon industrial cluster by 2030.